Angry drivers divided on proper roundabout use
A roundabout in Wales is whipping up a social media storm as drivers argue about how it should be used.
The arguments centre on a roundabout north of Llantrisant, where drivers bypassing queueing traffic in the outside lane are being branded “queue-jumpers” for merging at the last minute.
Drivers are getting so frustrated by what they perceive as “cutting-in” at the roundabout’s exit, they’ve taken their road rage to social media.
But as the RAC advises, the situation on this roundabout is an example of zip-merging – and it’s actually the so-called queue-jumpers who are in the right.
READ MORE: Is last-minute merging right? The results are in
The roundabout, on the Ely Valley Road to the north of Llantrisant, is approached from the south by a dual carriageway, which then merges into one lane at the exit.
But during rush hour, heavy traffic sees queues form as drivers merge into the left-hand lane on the approach to the roundabout.
And as frustrated motorists wait, others are taking the right-hand lane and merging into traffic after the roundabout, causing the controversy.
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
• Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^Find the same cover cheaper with the AA within 7 days & we’ll beat it by 20%. †T&Cs apply.
One frustrated motorist on Facebook said: “There is always a queue of cars that is caused by cars zooming up in the right-hand lane and then squeezing in at the last minute by the roundabout.
“Am I the only one who wants to yell ‘cheating scum’ as they fly down on the right lane and then expect to be let in?”
SEE ALSO: Driving etiquette – our guide to staying safe
But as some of the so-called queue-jumpers have correctly pointed out, the filter arrow on the roundabout’s exit means that motorists should merge at the last-minute.
Zip-merging originated in the US and is used as traffic flow measure to cut the build-up of queues and maintain a steady stream of vehicles.
Motorists are supposed to use both lanes up until the point of lane closure, at which point they are supposed to take it in turns to merge into one lane, just like a zipper.
Drivers merging ahead of time, such as those in Llantrisant, are actually causing further tailbacks by choosing to merge as soon as possible.
Copyright Press Association 2018. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
You might also like
A complete guide to driving to university
If you’re a student heading off to university this autumn, and you’re arriving by car this semester, follow our essential guide to driving to university.
What happens after I pass my driving test?
To help clear the confusion facing learner drivers or anyone that's just passed their test, our essential guide answers your most pressing questions.
Seven things you should never do in a manual car
From leaving your car in gear at a red light to riding the clutch uphill, the way you drive your manual car significantly affects its lifespan.
Safe driving with health issues: from pregnancy to old age
Various health issues and life changes can affect your ability to drive, but you might not recognise it. Check out our guide to the main things that can impair your driving.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10