Roundabout

[woodchopper]

Two vehicles approaching roundabout on dual carriageway - one in left lane and one in the right lane.
Both entere the roundabout at the same time - the vehicle in the left lane intending to take the exit at three o'clock. Vehicle in the right lane takes the exit at twelve o'clock ( continuing the dual carriageway) and a collision occurs between the two vehicles at twelve o'clock on the roundabout - who is at fault ? I have been told that the person in the left lane is entitled to take the exit at three o'clock and can indeed go round the roundabout as many times as he wishes in the outside lane - any opinions ?

[benny3008]

Hmmm, i dont think that you can take the 3 o'clock exit if you are in the left lane, left lane: 1st exit and straight across only, right lane: any exit after the 12 o'clock exit or around as many as 5 times, this is what i was tought in my CBT in october (so quite up to date). in my opinion, the person in the left lane should not have taken the third exit. hope this helps.

[sara3]

no, if you want to turn right you should be in the right hand lane! travelling around in the nearside (left) lane is just asking for trouble.

[boxtops]

My understanding is that both vehicles should be in the right hand lane, the first car indicating left as it passes the 9 o'clock junction. The second car should indicate right as it enters the junction then indicate left and move into the outer lane as it passes the twelve o'clock junction.

[Garmard]

The guy in the left hand lane wishing to turn right(3 o'clock) is at fault. In the highway code the rules are simple, unless stated otherwise if want to turn left or go straight on it is the left hand lane. To turn right, the right hand lane only.

[cazzz1975]

sounds bizarre, I always thought left lane was first and second exit, right lane was second exit onwards unless indicated specifically a right turn only

[benny3008]

saras answer is easier to understand, btw, my answer was assuming that the 3' oclock exit was the third exit (i.e a roundabout with only 4 exits)

[puternut]

What if the guy wanting the three o'clock exit gets to the roundabout at twenty five past five? What if his watch is 20 minutes slow?

[R1Geezer]

The guy in the left hand lane is what is known as a "roundabout cutter". Wrong in every way. In the scenario descibed he cannot take the 3 oclock exit.

[factor-fiction]

You have to look at the road markings as well though. I know one rounabout where you exit the motorway you go in the left hand lane to turn left, go straight on or turn right. If you use the right hand lane you find the lane markings on the roundabout only let you go all the way round and back onto the motorway

[joko]

i think its only acceptable if you are in the wrong lane by accident and cant chnage lanes..i think then you can but only if indicating right, to let others know...is that right?

[R1Geezer]

No joko, you have no "right" just by indicating but in that situation you either wait for a gap or someone will let you in.

[jno]

When taking the last exit or going full circle
• signal right and approach in the right-hand lane

http://www.ukmotorist...asp?s=Roundabouts#900

[joko]

yeh i know its not right...i meant if you suddenly find yourself in the wrong lane, realising too late you need to be turning right, then it is safer to continue in the left and indicate right to let others know you are not turning off, rather than trying to get into the right lane, or wait for a gap and hold up traffic etc, only to have to come out of it again a few seconds later to exit...this is of course assuming this is only an avergae sized roundabout...if a very large one then you shoudl have time to get into the right lane
other cars should never predict what they think other drivers are going to do, and only be sure they are turning off when they see their wheels turn, so the indicator is a fair warning...
yes its a mistake, but they happen and it needs to be dealt with as safely as possible

[ummmm]

No Joko...you need to change lanes not indicate that you are continuing round or you risk an accident like the poster has mentioned. If you can't change lanes then you'll have to come off at the wrong exit and turn back.

[R1Geezer]

Joko as ummmm rightly says the correct thing to do is to take the "wrong" turning and turn around the next opportunity, ie admit the error to yourself and not try and push in, usually though if you stay in lane and signal some kind sole, will let you in, usually a motorcyclist will because they would assume you haven't seen them and let you go out of self preservation. Never be a cutter though even indicating that is bad bad bad.

[Old_Geezer]

As I recall my highway code from years ago the left lane is for exits up to and including 12 o'clock, the right lane for 12 o'clock onwards.

The one going all around the outside of the roundabout is a total menace and should be banned from the roads. There are too many like them causing problems on the road today, thinking it funny to stop traffic moving out from the inner part of the roundabout to their exit and causing havoc.

That said if either had any wits about them they would have avoided the collision even if it caused an almighty jam.

[joko]

mmm...whilst i agree it isnt good be in the outer lane, i dont see how you can say moving into the middle then out again in a very short space of time is a better move...it may be 'technically correct' but surely more dangerous in reality.

really here im talking about what is the best course of action in the spur of the moment to safely rectify the error...

[SurreyGuy]

There is a roundabout near Ash Vale train station (in Surrey) where I've lost count of the amount of !"£$%^^*** who approach in the LH lane and then proceed to take the fourth exit, i.e. turn right!

[TWR]

Duel Carriageway, roundabout ahead if you are turning right, right hand lane, you can also use the right hand lane if you are going straight ahead, for the person turning right, as soon as you have gone around the roundabout start indicating to your left. Simples.