Topic ID 275
Having used the newly designed roundabout several times now, I am convinced that the lanes are all wrong. It seems that, even when you get in the correctly marked lane at a set of lights, you end up having to quickly swap lanes by the time you get to the next set. Anyone else find the same or is it just my crap driving? I find the best way to end up in the right lane is to start in the wrong one! I assumed at first it was just because I wasn't used to it, but now I'm convinced it's not right.
Reply ID 1554
I was very pleased to read this, Joby, as I had quietly assumed it was just my girly inability to cope with traffic that had confused me when I occasionally use that roundabout. Emboldened by reading your post, I have just asked a couple of other people what they think of the Hatfield Tesco roundabout and they said yes, it's a nightmare and you have to use a lane other than the one designated to get round safely. So I feel better about my driving now - but isn't it appalling that the 'improvements' have landed us with such poor design and layout.
Reply ID 1555
You can add me to the list. If you come from the Galleria, alongside the A1 and try to trun right onto the A414 to Hertford you have to cut across 2 lanes of traffic.
Reply ID 1556
I agree - coming off the A1 Northbound I regularly get cut up or squished whilst trying to get into the correct lane. Also coming from the Galleria you have to stop at every set of lights when turning onto the A414 - I think next time I will cut through the Birchwood estate.
Reply ID 1558
[quote] I agree - coming off the A1 Northbound I regularly get cut up or squished whilst trying to get into the correct lane. [/quote] Ah-haa. So it's not just me then. Coming back from St. Albans at the weekend, I found myself laneless trying to turn right here. A poxy Vauxhall Meriva had the audacity to beep me after he had come across into my lane. Edited by - james on 28 Sep 2004 16:11:39
Reply ID 1567
i agree the roundabout is a shocker
Reply ID 1577
You need to move accross one lane to the left at each set of lights. That should do the trick
Reply ID 1578
>You need to move accross one lane to the left at each set of lights. That should do the trick Which begs the question "what's the point in having lanes?"
Reply ID 1579
I couldn't agree more with all the above. Whoever is responsible for this should go back to road design beginner classes. I expect it will take a multiple pile up before anything gets done though.
Reply ID 1590
Yes I'm another ordinary mortal trying to make sense of this new system. Also: Why on earth are the traffic lights full time? Outside biz hours there's barely any traffic at this junction - I'm frequently sat waiting at a red light at 0600 in the morning while....nobody at all....is on the roundabout. I suspect there's some bizarre typically British over-cautious law that says if a roundabout has more than 2 lanes it has to have traffic lights at all times - for "safety reasons" - what else?
Reply ID 1591
Given that Hertfordshire Highways' solution to every problem seems to involve traffic signals, I think it's fair to assume that they're on some sort of commission.
Reply ID 1592
...and while I'm on a roundabout rant: Can anyone tell me which approach lane you are supposed to use when crossing west to east on the 414 across the roundabout where you turn left to WGC? The exit from this r/a is only one lane into the fast lane of the 414, suggesting you should stick in the r/h lane all the way across, but since that's not marked a lot fo drivers (inc me sometimes) go in the l/h lane and then....confusion! Herts highways would be better off properly marking junctions like this to avoid a potential high speed collision than spending ££££s on politically correct lights on the Gascoyne for cyclists to ignore!
Reply ID 1595
[quote] I suspect there's some bizarre typically British over-cautious law that says if a roundabout has more than 2 lanes it has to have traffic lights at all times - for "safety reasons" - what else? [/quote] Didn't you know? Motorists are not allowed to think. The grand plan is to install traffic lights at all junctions by 2025 because lots of accidents are caused when cars pull out from a side road into the main road. By 2050 everybody will have a set of traffic lights at the bottom of their drive.
Reply ID 1612
[quote] ...and while I'm on a roundabout rant: Can anyone tell me which approach lane you are supposed to use when crossing west to east on the 414 across the roundabout where you turn left to WGC? The exit from this r/a is only one lane into the fast lane of the 414, suggesting you should stick in the r/h lane all the way across, but since that's not marked a lot fo drivers (inc me sometimes) go in the l/h lane and then....confusion! Herts highways would be better off properly marking junctions like this to avoid a potential high speed collision than spending ££££s on politically correct lights on the Gascoyne for cyclists to ignore! [/quote] The correct lane to be in is the right. Courts and the highway agency obey the road signs, not drivers opinion. According to the road sign, the Hertford exit is beyond 12 o'clock, and is therefore a "right" turn. However! The single lane exit signals for the right lane to move over into left lane traffic, even though its the left lane that has closed down. The rules of the road actually condradict themselves at that junction. If you want to remain insured, use the right lane. For the record, "fast lanes" don't exist. You can have overtaking lanes, but not fast lanes. The "Slow Lane" always has right of way, because it is the only always existing lane. Everything else give way to it.
Reply ID 2031
sorry as a new member I was just looking at past topics, found this quite amusing not only do i hate this new layout but witnessed a crash there not too long ago, Though having said that I had also seen the aftermath of many crashes over the years before it changed!
Reply ID 2072
I use the Hatfield roundabout every morning on the way to work and I have to say that the new traffic lights have virtually eliminated the traffic jams that used to be there in the rush hour.
Reply ID 2076
Good to hear another point of view, I dont use it that often and i'm sure if I did I would probably learn how the lanes work!
Reply ID 2143
Actually I'm getting on better with this roundabout now. But it's taken some time -- it appears you can't use it as you would a conventional roundabout - you have to switch lanes one junction early, and then you are OK. Still a bit confusing to many though - as evidenced by number of people madly switching lanes at the last minute, when they realise they are not heading for their exit after all......
Reply ID 2146
I agree. I'm getting used to it now. I still think it's a bit bonkers but it seems to work. I suggest a fast car is better for exploiting the gaps left by those who hesitate as they struggle to understand which lane to be in.