How UK roundabouts work – a guide for visitors from the EU and beyond

Why Are There So Many Roundabouts in the UK?

If you feel like roundabouts are everywhere in the UK, that’s because they are. The UK has one of the highest numbers of roundabouts per capita in the world. Town planners love them because they improve traffic flow and reduce accidents compared to standard intersections.

The idea is simple: rather than waiting at a red light, drivers enter when there’s a safe gap, keeping traffic moving. However, this only works if everyone knows the rules - and that’s where things can get tricky for visitors. Plus: some busy ones are still controlled by traffic lights, which must be obeyed.

The Basic Rules of UK Roundabouts

Before tackling a UK roundabout, here are the key things you need to know:

• Give way to the right: Traffic already on the roundabout has priority, so you must wait for a safe gap before entering.
• Keep left unless overtaking: If the roundabout has multiple lanes, use the left lane unless your exit requires you to be further right.
• Use your indicators: Signalling is the centerpiece to letting other drivers know your intentions. More on this below.
• Look at the road markings: Larger roundabouts often have painted lanes to guide you in the right direction.
• Stay calm: Roundabouts move fast, but hesitation can confuse other drivers. If you miss your exit, just go around again.

Understanding Lane Discipline

Roundabouts come in all shapes and sizes, but they typically have multiple lanes. Choosing the correct lane is vital:

• If you’re taking the first exit (left turn), stay in the left lane.
• If you’re going straight ahead, you may be able to stay in the left lane unless road markings suggest otherwise.
• If you’re taking an exit on the right (third or fourth exit), you should be in the right-hand lane until just before your exit.

Many roundabouts have road markings that indicate which lane to use. If in doubt, follow the signs or observe what local drivers are doing.

When and How to Signal

Signalling correctly is virtually unavoidable for keeping roundabouts moving smoothly. Here’s how to do it:

• Turning left (first exit): Signal left as you approach and keep it on until you leave.
• Going straight ahead: No signal on approach, but signal left just before your exit.
• Turning right: Signal right as you enter and switch to left just before your exit.

Failure to signal properly won’t just annoy other drivers - it can cause confusion and even accidents.

Dealing with Multi-Lane and Mini-Roundabouts

Some roundabouts are small and straightforward, whilst others resemble complex mazes. Here’s how to handle both types:

• Mini-roundabouts: These are common in residential areas and operate the same way as regular roundabouts. However, they are small, meaning decisions need to be made quickly.
• Multi-lane roundabouts: Found in larger cities, these have multiple lanes and road markings to guide traffic. If you find yourself in the wrong lane, don’t panic - continue around until it’s safe to change.

Unique Roundabouts You Might Encounter

The UK is home to some truly iconic roundabouts. Here are a couple to watch out for:

• The Magic Roundabout (Swindon): This monstrosity consists of five smaller roundabouts within one large roundabout, allowing traffic to flow in both directions.
• Hemel Hempstead’s Plough Roundabout: Another multi-mini roundabout system that has left many visitors bewildered.

Fortunately, most UK roundabouts are much simpler than these.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced drivers can struggle with UK roundabouts. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Failing to give way: Always yield to traffic from the right before entering.
• Changing lanes at the last second: Plan ahead and stick to your lane.
• Not signalling: Indicators help other drivers understand your intentions.
• Stopping unnecessarily: Hesitating when there’s a clear gap can cause confusion.

What If You Miss Your Exit?

It happens to everyone. If you realise too late that you should have exited, don’t slam on the brakes or swerve - just continue around again. Roundabouts are forgiving in that sense, and taking an extra loop is far safer than making a sudden manoeuvre.

Closing the Chapter:

Mastering UK roundabouts as a visitor might seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation, they can be make sense ofd safely and confidently. Remember to give way to the right, use the correct lane, and signal properly. And if you do find yourself in a baffling multi-lane roundabout, just take a deep breath and go with the flow.

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