Police lay down the law on mini roundabouts (From Ilkley Gazette)

Police lay down the law on mini roundabouts

11:40am Thursday 15th July 2010

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Police are laying down the law around mini roundabouts after complaints about drivers in Ilkley.

Ilkley’s Inspector Sue Sanderson has issued advice reminding motorists to comply with the Highway Code and follow ‘mini roundabout etiquette’.

Her appeal comes after a series of complaints raised by Ilkley people at Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings in the town.

She says the driving around mini roundabouts in Ilkley is one of the regular complaints, particularly on Cowpasture Road’s double mini roundabouts.

Cowpasture Road is already the focus of anti-speeding campaigns and there is a petition calling for a safe crossing for Ilkley Grammar School pupils.

Insp Sanderson said: “When speaking with some of the residents, it became apparent that a lot of people are unsure of the rules when approaching such roundabouts.”

“On approaching a roundabout, take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. Adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions and other road users.

“The approach should be made with an intention to stop prior to entering the roundabout. When reaching the roundabout, you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights and check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining. All vehicles must pass around the central markings except large vehicles, which are physically incapable of doing so.”

She stressed the most important point is that the roundabout should be approached with an intention to stop and all vehicles small enough to negotiate it should go around the roundabout, not drive across it.

Driving over the roundabout constitutes an offence of failing to comply with a traffic sign, she warned.

“Double mini roundabouts should be treated as two separate roundabouts and give way from the right,” said Insp Sanderson.

“I’m hoping that if people understand the rules, they will comply with them.”

The Neighbourhood Policing Team plans to monitor the road in the coming weeks.

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