A Mini Roundabout Stand Off

Either everyone goes or everyone waits! Why a mini roundabout standoff happens.
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#driving #tesla #education

[@magnuscarter9195]

One problem with roundabouts is that you wait like a dummy for approaching vehicles from the right only for them take first left without signalling.

[@Mark...]

Couldn’t agree more 👍👍👍👍👍, thats one of my pet hates.

[@leenevin8451]

Just boot it

[@supremeleader9838]

as an audi driver this offends me deeply. where i’m going is for me to know and you to guess

[@jhareng]

I would have to ask why are you stopped, just go

[@R0ssMM]

@@supremeleader9838 And if we pull out in front of you when you're going straight then you get to show off your horn ;-)

[@chrislaing7153]

Roundabouts - Plan to Stop, but prepare to Go. That also applies to minis. What Ash is demonstrating here is a great example of that technique.

[@TheGalifrey]

It's the whole planning thing that few drivers exercise these days sadly.

[@Stringer13ell]

I hate these driving instructor sayings. What if I want to prepare to stop but plan to go? What are you going to do then?

[@Mr.M1STER]

In reality it is more like Plan to slow down and slot into a space on the roundabout without having to stop but always having the option to stop if there is no space available.

[@pineapplepenumbra]

That's what I was taught. What I try to do is get pupils to work out what's likely to happen in the next few seconds, rather than what's happening now. So say there are 3 cars coming straight towards us and show no sign of slowing down, then they're _likely_ to cut off cars from the right, so we should be safe. However, I also tell my pupils that one reason they're checking the mirrors is to see if anyone behind is signally right, as that could slow down these vehicles, meaning that someone might then take the opportunity to emerge from the right. To be fair, I can only remember a couple of occasions where pupils have failed for such incidences. Sometimes they've failed at mini roundabouts for other reasons, for example, one person had 3 cars coming from the right, all signalling right, no one else about, and he, correctly, waited for the first 2 cars, but the third was a bit hesitant, and he thought it was letting him go, and went for it. I always tell people that, if the other car clearly has priority (say when they're turning right at cross roads and the opposite vehicle is going straight ahead), then _wait for them._ Don't assume that they're letting you go just because they're a bit slow. I can think of 4 people who have failed for such daft situations, this guy, 2 others at crossroads and another girl when turning right at, to be fair, a relatively unusual junction on a 50 mph road.

[@jhareng]

@@Stringer13ell We live in a dumbed down society now, they have to be told whats common sense.

[@ShedTV]

I wish I had a pound for every time I've arrived at a mini-roundabout with three other cars all stopped and looking at one other. Your closing comment "Try not arrive at mini-roundabouts and then start working them out" hit the nail on the head.

[@aj-audi6565]

If I have to turn across traffic on a roundabout, rather than a straight across route, then I tend to wait for someone else to make their move. If it looks like we are all TURNING across each other, then it's who's got the fastest car 😁 to go first. Any old dears in Micra's can wait

[@ethelmini]

Great until all 3 of you slow down to arrive after each other 😏

[@kimberleyjanemcnab5343]

When the cars are all stopped and giving right of way I just slowly creep forward. This usually (99% of the time) sorts out the other drivers that are stuck in politeness. I have even done this when I was the last to actually arrive, by a few seconds, and have continued on my merry way. 😆

[@klausschwab4019]

@@kimberleyjanemcnab5343 The answer to 'who has the right of way on a mini roundabout?' is always 'me'.

[@christopher9727]

..... Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@Spacewizzard090]

The opening frame makes it look like Ashley's about to drop the most fire mixtape of the year so far

[@54356776]

A fresh prince parody video for Christmas/ charity would be massive from Ash.

[@stefenney3126]

A big problem that I have found with mini roundabouts is when they have replaced a 'T' junction, especially when the building line obstructs the view of vehicles coming from what was the minor road and you have to nudge forward to get a clear view. The traffic travelling along the 'A' road with the T junction to their left have a clear view of oncoming traffic, even for some distance, so they hardly slow down at the approach to the island and if another vehicle approaches from the left, then there is no time to stop.

[@David-sw2fn]

Great point. In my experience many locals appear to completely disregard the mini roundabout in these situations, especially if the main road is very busy and the joining road fairly quiet. Never do a u turn there and, if entering the roundabout from the quiet road to go right, it’s probably a good idea to think in terms of a right turn.

[@BenVallack]

This

[@1ninjatiger]

I find theres usually more confusion when the road is busy and traffic is queuing at the mini roundabout. So no ability to assess speed and distance as everyone is already there. Personally if others are dithering then I go - decision made lol (gets the ditherers moving anyway)

[@fromthegamethrone]

I agree with what you're saying, but sometimes if you can see the queue ahead, you can start your speed adjustment then to let the queue move out of the way. Again, sometines, not always.

[@TeslaNick2]

I do the same - someone has to make the decision for everyone.

[@1ninjatiger]

@@fromthegamethrone I’m talking about when thats not possible and you are in a queue with cars in front and behind you. When there is absolutely no adjusting of speed possible.

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

indeed confusion is always a problem. In the Channel Islands they use road signage telling drivers to "Filter in Turn" at ambiguos junctions/tl's etc.. - it works surprisingly well...

[@fromthegamethrone]

@@1ninjatiger I know. I literally said "*sometimes if* you can see the queue..."

[@gav2759]

I was involved in a stand-off at a mini roundabout this very morning. It would have been helpful if some of the drivers used their indicators. We're not all graduates of the Mystic Meg school of motoring.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Was it a Mexican standoff? Indicators are key

[@_.Madness._]

Using indicators is illegal in the UK and can result in 10 years in prison.

[@andrewstorm8240]

@@_.Madness._ 100 years was my sentence

[@_.Madness._]

@@andrewstorm8240 You probably got 90 years extra for being in the correct lane then.

[@andrewstorm8240]

@@_.Madness._ no that was due to the fog lights :-(

[@ibs5080]

Did you all notice just how many other drivers drove OVER the middle of each mini roundabout, including the police car?

[@TheKruxed]

The problem is(even on larger roundabouts without lane markings) that people think you're just not bothering to indicate and that you're actually going straight ahead lol. Most people stop again after starting their creep or go, but I just plan for it now on the roundabouts it happens to me often at, just because I bother to go around it properly where as most don't

[@1harryrobert]

When I go round the mini roundabout, drivers overtake me by going on the wrong side of the roundabout

[@stuc6787]

@@1harryrobert I too have had this several times.

[@fetchstixRHD]

@@1harryrobert: Was thinking about this earlier today - virtually nobody goes around them, to the point that if you do, you'll end up in conflict with those who don't. Similar with many other laws, at some point either they should be enforced or removed imo...

[@Howie57]

No police to enforce the rules

[@mharris7380]

The police car used the roundabout improperly. They went across the circle when they should have gone round it and there was enough room to go around so there was no excuse.

[@grahvis]

Yes, they broke a 'must not' rule.

[@peterthompson9854]

@@grahvis I'm sure they'll have an exemption 😂

[@laceandwhisky]

The mini roundabout you will notice it isn't a center bollard etc but a white dome cap in the road the idea is for larger vehicles to be able to drive over it to turn, yep smaller cars etc should circumcircle it if possible but if you do go over it it isn't the crime if the century

[@mda5003]

@@grahvis It is a 'MUST' rule in the Highway Code and you can be fined for not doing so with an exception for large vans and lorries but the police officer could have noticed the previous driver did in fact illegally cross over the mini roundabout so needed to urgently follow and stop the vehicle before he got away!

[@marklittler784]

Many drivers assume your turning left if you take a path around the mini roundabout and go to overtake over the roundabout.

[@GreboGent]

Watching your videos makes me feel like a mature, sensible road user, many of the things you advise/recommend I’ve been doing/thinking since before I even started watching your channel. You also point out and advise on things I hadn’t thought of before but I’m able to take them on board and work on them to help further improve my road use

[@mattybutler2455]

The second video is in Knaresborough, and whilst learning to drive and cycling I regularly use these mini roundabouts(one behind the viewer), and the number of times this sort of shenanigans occurs, is quite frankly mind blowing, so few people indicate here and it is very dangerous, especially as there are zebra crossings straight after the roundabouts, which adds to the mayhem. They were brought in to stop pollution from traffic lights which were terrible, causing 45+ minute queues on any nice Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

[@vubear]

Exactly, I use that roundabout and lack of indicating is always causing problems.

[@jonnycraig183]

I was also going to mention the change of traffic lights to roundabouts, and it has improved traffic flow but it comes down to driver ability

[@mattybutler2455]

@@jonnycraig183 couldn't agree more, it's so much faster, high bond end hasn't seen a queue like that for years, shame a good 50% don't bother indicating and causes problems for everyone

[@joshnicholson2934]

As soon as you said Knarsborough it made total sense lol

[@juliebrooke6099]

I thought it looked familiar to me but couldn’t place it. So glad you commented.

[@Ep1cure]

Good video, but if you do somehow end up with the stand-off, then one of the drivers has to start moving to show intention to go but using a 'creep' to be able to adapt if another goes. Fast enough to show intent, but slow enough to easily stop if needed. With this method, even if everyone goes, they just fit in behind the other. It shouldn't be harsh or stressful.

[@andyhart5669]

Arriving slower is a good point. There is a channel on here that shows motorcycle riders cams. There are a lot where the riders get angry at drivers pulling out on them. In a lot of cases the car to the left enters the roundabout first but the bike is moving much faster, doesn't change speed and catches up to them.

[@reachandler3655]

Yep, I've seen a clip like that, the cammer got most irate when I suggested that had he slowed there wouldn't have been an issue, and he needs to learn to anticipate. In this particular case he could clearly see it was a long vehicle, and it was likely the cammer was in the trucker's blind spot.

[@TheKruxed]

Happens loads, I stopped watching channels like that as the uploaders only care about views so they need the content. So many cases where even the car is doing 35-40 on the approach on a 30mph road and then they blare the horn at the unsuspecting victim as if it was their fault. Most of the UK based channels were guilty of constantly uploading that junk that just normalises it

[@grahvis]

Whilst indeed speed matters, the rule is to give priority to vehicles approaching from the right. Priority does not go the the vehicle on the left just because it gets to the roundabout first.

[@andyhart5669]

@@grahvis While you are correct, and you should give priority to vehicles approaching from the right the highway code also says "adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions" and "be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you." The clips I refereeing to the riders (and sometimes drivers) speed into junctions often over the speed limit and make no allowance for other road users. Having priority does not mean acting as if other road users are not there and expecting them to get out of your way. If you can reach the apex of the roundabout before the approaching vehicle reaches that point you are far enough ahead to go. Most of the clips I mention the drive would have reached this point if the vehicle approaching from the right slows to a sensible speed. Instead they continue at high speed or even speed up. Safe and smooth flow of traffic is best for all road users, sitting waiting for a vehicle who is yet to reach the junction does not achieve this, if anything it will cause doubt in the mind of the approaching vehicle and antagonise those queuing behind.

[@grahvis]

@@andyhart5669 . Being aware of other vehicle's speed and position includes being aware of those approaching from the right. If a vehicle pulls out and thereby causes the vehicle approaching from their right, to take some sort of avoiding action like braking, clearly they did not give it priority. "If you can reach the apex of the roundabout before the approaching vehicle reaches that point you are far enough ahead to go". That would mean being at the point of colliding and would cause the approaching vehicle having to brake to avoid it. Little different from saying if you can get to the middle of the road from a side turning before someone on the main road reaches it, you did nothing wrong.

[@georgemorley1029]

Yes, I’ve seen that happen twice in only seventeen years of driving, and both times it resolved itself as you said, the wider track eases pressure on the eye of the “knot” of cars, and everyone goes on their merry, slightly embarrassed way…

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

3 at same time on mini -rdbt - yes, I have actually been in that situation when all 3 of us took the simultaneous initiative to negotiate the roundabout (not cutting over central marking) permitting all of us to traverse safely at the same time...none of the following vehicles from any direction behind any of us sucessfully did this and a jam ensued behind us !!!

[@madhatter61]

I've seen three vehicles go onto a mini like that, all go around and leave in perfect unison with hesitating and without stopping. It was quite surreal.

[@christopherbennell5983]

Even more tricky are double mini-roundabouts, as you have to gauge two sets of priorities one immediately after the other. Also I would say that a large artic going through a mini-roundabout should be given extra consideration, which might conflict with the priorities presented here.

[@sugoruyo]

Nah, I live right next to a double mini, everyone just drives across and over both of them. Simple.

[@Batters56]

I did the all three go at once dance and a supermarket delivery van was one of the other vehicles! Worked just fine!

[@richardoakley8800]

Its commonly believed mini roundabouts are there to speed up traffic flow. In many cases they are designed to add a little hesitation/ confusion to slow down or calm a junction down.

[@johnkeepin7527]

And in some places it’s been done to balance the traffic flow a bit, if the alternative was a conventional T-junction, at which those on a ‘minor’ side street would be stuck for a while, when the traffic is heavy on the other road (and they don’t want to spend money on the other option, using signalling).

[@ace_55581]

I thoroughly enjoy these short useful videos. Thanks Ashley. Even as an experienced driver I treat these as refreshers and always strive to keep learning.

[@fromthegamethrone]

You said exactly what I was thinking- if you go around the roundabout rather than across it, most problems are solved.

[@robchissy]

there is a mini round-a-bout right next to my home and i hate it, it's in a built up area next to a school and cars just come speeding through it without looking, i have dash cam proof of this

[@jw191]

How to resolve a stalemate: Pin the accelerator, drop the clutch, and do a few celebratory donuts

[@waynegreen2343]

I was once told to look at the give way lines at the entrance to the roundabout. With some you will notice that 2 entrances have the double give way line and one has a single line. In the case of a stand off the person with the single line has priority and can go first. Not all mini roundabouts seem to be set up like this.

[@mandolinic]

I can't find this anywhere in the Highway Code (rules 184-190). It's something I've never heard of before. Beside which, in the event of stand off, who can actually see whether they're at a single or double line?

[@andyalder7910]

You were told wrong I think, both mean give way. The double dashed line (normally backed up by a give way symbol) is used where there is insufficient deflection to cause the oncoming vehicle to slow down naturally so you see them on the straight on approaches of mini-roundabouts that have replaced T junctions but not on the side road that has to turn right or left.

[@christopherbell5817]

Have you ever come across The Magic Roundabout, in Swindon? It's one big roundabout, made up of four or five mini roundabouts, all with three or four lanes approaching each one. You really need to be switched on to forward planning when approaching it, especially at rush hour.

[@johnkeepin7527]

One of the frequent presenters on here called “Conquer Driving” recently produced an episode based on his trial runs around it on various routes. I guess you’re familiar with it, but it’s worth looking up for another instructor’s view.

[@LHITShappy]

A very good example of how to plan ahead and deal with the unexpected at roundabouts, my instructors taught me this, even months after I passed my test, I’ve yet to master it, it’s just one of those things that comes with experience. But first you need to have the right mind set and try to look for clues as explained in this video, and can’t just assume that everything will go according to plan.

[@williamgeorgefraser]

This used to happen in France on major roundabouts when I first moved there in the 70s. The rule at the time was "priority from the right" so cars coming onto a roundabout had priority over those already on it. This led to massive traffic jams at rush hour. One lunchtime I saw a cop, who was directing traffic from a pulpit in the middle of a roundabout, take off his képi, stamp on it and walk off, leaving the drivers to sort out the mess themselves. The rule was so imbedded in the French psyche that drivers emerging from side streets would shut their eyes and hope for the best. It has now been largely abandonned except in small towns and villages with little traffic.

[@sugoruyo]

That is still the case in most of Greece with the exception of where local authorities have put up yield/stop signs to enter the roundabout.

[@montyzumazoom1337]

This happened to me once at a mini roundabout in worthing... Three cars (including the one I was driving) all stopped politely at the mini roundabout to give way to the right, we sat there for a few seconds then realised somebody had to move... the thing is we all moved at once and the three of us all met in the middle! Result was three drivers laughing their heads off at a blocked roundabout, I can't remember how we got out of it, but we did, it was so funny at the time.

[@robinbennett3531]

it's called a roundabout- not a straightoverabout

[@mikesheldon1957]

I've come up to these mini roundabouts countless times when even people approaching the roundabout on the road to my right stop all the time without emerging when they can and I just breeze through. It seems many drivers just don't know or get who has right of way to emerge.

[@robg521]

Positive driving is a excellent thing, Slow and Hold back or accelerating slightly to match your speed to meet a gap, then don’t dither or delay when you arrive at that gap. Be at the right speed at the right time to safely filter or join or go through. Creep and use your vehicle’s body language and position on the road to give no doubt about what you intend to do and when you are going to do it.

[@johnhewett9483]

An interesting exercise is trying to only stop at your intended destination.i once drove from central Buckinghamshire down to Croydon Surrey via the M25 and A23 without ever coming to a standstill. Not easy but an exercise in flowing with traffic, timing your approach so that when you arrive you can go etc

[@leadwithfk]

Dear Ashley, I passed my driving test today at the first attempt with only two minors, and wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for creating such informative videos that certainly helped to pass. The content you create with live examples is highly commendable, the examiner complimented me at the end of the test for excellent driving and I must thank you for it!

[@ashley_neal]

Congratulations 👏 Thanks for your support

[@mgprewett]

A trick I sometimes use to unlock a stand-off is to give permission to go to the driver to my left by pointing at him/her and making eye contact. They go, I go, and then the driver to my right. Only works if they are proactively scanning the situation. And it's daylight.

[@jammin023]

I usually just go myself - slowly enough to be able to stop if someone else decides to do the same, but decisively enough make my intention clear. I'm not being selfish, it's just usually the quickest way to resolve the situation. Your method requires the other driver to understand what you're trying to communicate, which doesn't always work.

[@robinbennett3531]

Yeah, I just go. Easy.

[@robinbennett3531]

@@jammin023 why stop if someone does the same?Just turn left onto the miniroundabout. Obvs. don't want to be hit but if everyone drives over the middle it's inevitable there's deadlock. might as well have a t junction

[@jammin023]

@@robinbennett3531 Mini roundabouts are usually too small to circulate on like a normal roundabout (otherwise they would *be* a normal roundabout). If you detour left, it makes your intention unclear as it looks like you intend to exit left. In theory if everyone enters at the same time and they're all turning right then you get a deadlock, but the fact that I've never seen that in 30 years of driving until this video means it must be pretty unlikely.

[@richardharvey1732]

Hi Ashley, good work as per usual!. This all reminds me of something that I have not thought about for many years and relates to the fact that once you are stationary at any junction it takes much more time to start off again!. The trick is all about good sensible observation and appropriate adjustment of approach speed, it should be possible to avoid actual coming to a complete halt most of the time if the traffic is moving reasonably well. Of course if there are vehicles in front of you that are stationary then you will have to stop, but when they move off you do not have to follow all that quickly, in fact if you can see the other traffic clearly you can adjust your take off to fit into the flow at the junction. On those rare occasions when the traffic from the right is too persistent and you do have to stop it is always better to stop well before the junction threshold, again allowing a few feet of take off space to ent=er the junction at a better speed when the opportunity arises. Once I had come to terms with these dynamics and familiar with the practise I started suggesting that anyone who comes to a complete stop right on the line should be fined for driving without due care because the delay they cause slows everybody down!. Cheers, Richard.

[@PedroConejo1939]

I've seen four cars stopped staring at each other prior to entering a mini-roundabout but never three or four creating their own gridlock - except in Paris, and they can be very ingenious at solving that, usually with liberal use of the horn and wild gesturing. If I'm caught up in a 'you go, no you go', I will creep to take the lead.

[@monk3yboy69]

I just go. I cannot wait for slow and stupid people. They are the ones that cause accidents by dithering. I do 40000 miles a year. I see bad driving all the time. So you get used to these roundabouts and you know how to navigate them .

[@paulreed5077]

Another thing to watch out for is pillocks coming from the left and using it as an overabout or just cutting directly in front of you to go right. I've always said instead of the roundabout being a smooth raised disc, it should be a low pyramid or even a flat topped cone shape.

[@VoxelLoop]

A funny situation I had was approaching a mini roundabout with a car approaching on the opposite side. We both started slowing significantly on the approach to let the other person go first, then both stopped at the same time. After about 2 seconds, I made my move as they were clearly not going to move. Turned out we were both going straight anyway, but I didn't want to enter at the same time as them and risk then making a turn without indicating. 🙂

[@ibs5080]

Good move. I've actually had instances where an oncoming car has made a right turn (to my left) at a mini roundabout without any indication. Unlike a full size roundabout, there is very little room on a mini roundabout for that kind of thing to not result in an accident unless you make allowances for it at an early stage.

[@johnkeepin7527]

@@ibs5080 I’m familiar with that. One that I’m used to is on a fairly steep gradient, so when approaching it downhill with the exit to the left, it’s worth judging whether something from the opposite direction is likely to turn across in front of you, by watching their apparent speed in the opposite direction. The odd one or two sometimes turn right, across in front, without indicating their intention, so it’s a place where it’s often better to slow down a bit to be able to stop (it’s in a 30 mph zone).

[@ganrimmonim]

When I could still drive, I had to stop because of uncontrollable epilepsy I really disked mini roundabouts, I had no problem with full sized ones. I partically disliked double mini-roundabouts near my home was a trible miniaroudabout where they kind of formed a around-atriangle thankfully it's a roundabout now, I'd go a way aways to avoid it.

[@tdg6372]

There's a dual lane double mini roundabout by me. The main reason for a standoff is the fact that so many people don't indicate!

[@b.g5300]

Great Video! It's so difficult to find mini roundabout videos that are as useful as this one. Thank you

[@johnparker1088]

Informative and some useful advice, thank you. Where the mini roundabout has been designing into the road layout they are easy to use, but part of the problem is that a lot of these mini roundabouts are just placed in old junctions with very poor visibility and no thought given to how they would work. In my local town we have 2 staggered junctions within a stone's throw each other that were controlled by traffic lights or T-junctions but been replaced by mini roundabouts with pelican and zebra crossing liberally scattered around them. At busy times there is always confusion, queues over the islands and blockages resulting in horn usage etc.

[@thesunreport]

You make a great point about positive driving. One thing that came to mind as we watched all of the various vehicles involved was that it reminded me that even for a potentially half-decent driver, that something like a new or different pair of shoes can take away confidence and ability in the car. I think this could be a big factor in how people drive, whether people drive with those ideas of 'competence at the wheel' or whether it is a case of 'I hope I look good in my dress shoes for the interview' etc. I gues what I'm saying is that even a 'good' driver can face challenges in the everyday that can affect driving performance and safety. Extrapolate that into all the people who aren't even wearing reasonable driving footwear and 'positive driving' becomes something of a pipe dream. Does that suggest there's room in the market for a driving shoe or something, or heightened awareness of it??, maybe.

[@tjfSIM]

Very useful, thanks Ash. There’s roundabout near me where this happens all the time, and it’s useful to get your take on it.

[@clivewilliams3661]

Note how in these clips even the ADI (Ashley) and the Police drive over the painted circle on the mini-roundabout and also note the state of all the circles where it is clear that many, many vehicles have done the same. When mini-roundabouts were first introduced back in 1970's I asked a very senior Highways Engineer how they were to be used, as after all they initiated them. i was told that they were to be treated as defining priority only and not to be considered as an obstruction in the road. Cutting across the circle is therefore legitimate, so long as you don't encroach on the approaching lane and treating them as an obstruction to drive around merely wastes fuel due to extra deceleration and acceleration as well as scrubbing tyres unnecessarily. You will find that many new housing developments now include mini-roundabouts where the primary distributor road and the main estate road meet, which in essence is not a problem, it gives equal weight to the estate road as the primary distributor road as well as creating a traffic calming feature. However, often the existing features and buildings create blind spots such that to safely see any approaching vehicle from the right the car has to virtually stop. In the majority of these clips visibility to the right is relatively good meaning that a reasonable speed through the roundabout can be maintained. Many of our local mini-roundabout junctions are a stop/go or too often a chancy and risky progress, where speed is desirable because of this poor visibility.

[@doctorsocrates4413]

I am of the opinion that mini roundabouts should be scrapped altogether..only designed for bike,car and van...HGV can never use these safely....just my humble opinion for what it's worth...thank you ashley for another excellent video.

[@TheGalifrey]

They are only there for priority, in a large vehicle you can never use them exactly like a normal roundabout and dvsa know and accept this.

[@ibs5080]

Haa yes I totally agree. Just saw your comment after I posted a very similar (and long) comment to the same effect.

[@AllenSmith81]

The other one that causes problems is either or both of a) not using any indicators at the roundabout b) cutting across the top of the roundabout rather than going round it.

[@Archerdon88]

I’ve had somewhat of a mini roundabout stand off. I approached and wanted to turn right (I was driving a 60ft artic) and a woman in a Range Rover approached from the right and wanted to go straight over. She then stopped for some reason and so did I. I sat for a solid 30 seconds for her to move but when she didn’t I assumed she was letting me out and decided to go, and as soon as I did she then entered the roundabout and drove right up the side of my trailer and blasted her horn. Don’t know what goes through these peoples heads

[@Archerdon88]

@@icouldbewrongicouldberight it was indeed a Range Rover. Not really any surprises there I suppose lmao

[@_.Madness._]

@@Archerdon88 Women driving their hubby's Range Rover to take kids to school are the worst. 🤣

[@Chalkie1983]

0:15 in and my answer is just wait for the road to clear and for your exit to clear before entering the roundabout, lets see if I am right.

[@akaCol1987]

I feel like this little lesson could have a part 2 for double mini roundabouts. I see too many people treating them like crossroads and not preparing to stop at all, or thinking they have right of way because they have already entered the first mini roundabout. I was always taught to treat them like separate mini roundabouts.

[@ashpollen65]

I'm astonished at how many drivers go all the way round a roundabout using the left hand lane, preventing others from exiting the roundabout and being forced to go all the way around again. Can you cover this in detail?? As a motorcyclist, it is extremely alarming at how many cars enter the roundabout as I'm exiting and they scream at me!! Driving standards in UK are appalling.

[@_.Madness._]

If other drivers often scream at you, the chance is you are the one who's doing something wrong. 🤣 Maybe not moving over to the left lane early enough (99% people don't), not using indicators correctly (90% people don't), driving too slowly (70% people do), positioning yourself wrong within your lane... or maybe you have your left indicator always on like a lot of motorcyclists. 🤣 And how do you know they are going to go all the way round if they are entering the roundabout as you are exiting? I see people doing all sort of 💩 on roundabouts, but going all the way round in the left lane is not that common (even in North England). 🤣

[@ashpollen65]

@@_.Madness._ read my post again herbert. They scream at me on roundabouts when I'm trying to exit and they are simply too impatient to get on. If I am in the right lane, going more than straight on, I have to switch from right to left lane in time for exit, even with indicators on (25w LED) they will join the roundabout screaming and gesturing "two lanes" and cut me off from exiting. If you are waiting to get on, that is MY roundabout until I get off or go past, live with it doesn't matter where you are, drivers are the most arrogant wankers period.

[@_.Madness._]

@@ashpollen65 People like you who are always so confident and adamant about being in the right and who won't even consider the possibility of doing something wrong themselves are usually the ones in the wrong, sorry pal. Record some videos of this happening and send them to Ashley and I guarantee you he will find something you should have done differently. 😘

[@_.Madness._]

​@@davidstevensasidewayslook8831 Are you joking? Surely nobody can drive slower than here in the UK otherwise they would be reversing. I follow the limits and I always catch up with somebody going way slower. On single carriageways you are allowed to do 60 mph, yet most people do between 40-50 mph when there's no reason to. On motorways you can do 70 mph, yet I always overtake slower cars in lane 1 despite my van being limited to 60 mph. Where I originally come from the limit on motorways is 80 mph (130 km/h) and most people do 90-100 mph. If you think drivers in the UK are too fast, then you are probably too slow.

[@ethelmini]

@@ashpollen65 I'd back you up if you didn't have illegal indicators.

[@Everything_Lincolnshire]

the big problem as i see it is when they put a mini roundabout on a main road replacing a t junction but then you tend to get those traveling along what would of been the main road and they don't even slow down as they think its their right of way and this also tends to be the reason for the crashes on them.

[@googoogjoobgoogoogjoob]

Fine, up to a point. And that point is when the roads are busy, and traffic is queueing onto the RA from each of 3 directions. Then what?

[@craigfjay]

I find this happens more at 3-way roundabouts. My usual fix is to signal to the person who is waiting for me (the person to my left) to go. That way, they’ll block the person to my right, and I can go 2nd

[@robinbennett3531]

You can all go at once if you go slow (you're already stopped) and follow the roundabout

[@_______-]

I recently was approaching a 4 way mini roundabout indicating right. Approaching from the opposite direction, a Range Rover with the intention of going straight on. I arrived first and started to make the turn. Anticipated the fact the the RR had not understood that I was about to cross their path, and halted my car mid-turn. Sure enough, RR barrelled straight on, completely clueless. My passenger was fuming. I just smiled to myself that I'd seen the whole thing coming and avoided the crash. I suspect the RR driver will have worked it out about five minutes later.

[@jbcentral1545]

I hold my hands up, my judgement when it comes to mini roundabouts isn’t the best. But the way Ashley explained it makes me think that I can change the way I employ judgement on the approach to mini roundabouts, as well as passing through them

[@problemchild1976]

Trouble is that if (in the last clip) the corsa had cut the roundabout then this makes people hesitate more :(

[@LordHeath1972]

2:41 Don't forget that unwritten rule that you always have to give way to, bow down to, acknowledge, and stick your middle finger up to BMWs.

[@jamietaylor5570]

Disappointing to see the marked police car (apparently not on an emergency call) driving over the middle of the mini roundabout. Edit: though on looking again it seems the "middle" isn't really in the middle and doesn't really leave adequate room for two lanes of traffic from that direction.

[@c.d.c9425]

What's the point of having a roundabout if no one actually drives around it? That's the weird thing i find about roundabouts in the UK; they're just a bit of paint on the tarmac. Where i live, all mini roundabouts are slightly raised from the ground, discouraging drivers from just driving straight over it as it would be awkward and uncomfortable

[@Ciorram1]

Before I watch My answer is simple I try to initiate the first move and go ending the stand off, but I'd also be observing for any movement from the other vehicles to say they might be first to move and therefore end the stand off that way.

[@CalmingAnxiety]

When asked what "my" version of hell would be, my stock answer years ago was that I would be following some little old Doris driving her Metro as she meets 3 more identical Doris's at a mini roundabout. We would be stuck there for all eternity 😂😅😂

[@contessa.adella]

1:32 Copper drives *over* solid painted circle…Only large vehicles are supposed to do this because they need to. Technically that copper broke the law and might as easily pull you for doing the exact same thing!

[@daveclark2293]

A slightly different question. I use a mini roundabout on my journey from work. It is a T junction and I approach up the tail of the T. The view to the top right of the approach is obscured by terrain. On more than 1 occasion, the look right reveals nothing approaching, the look left reveals a vehicle has stopped for me, a further look to the right as I set off, still nothing, then there is a vehicle on the right, horn blowing at the entry to the roundabout. My fault? or their approach speed to fast?

[@stephenhill8790]

The problem where I live there are two mini roundabouts with only one car length of visibility one one approach but the two other have a clear view of traffic approaching from their right ,often even if you stop then go to pull out you can still get drivers not slowing almost hitting you as they come from your blind side , I seen a lot of near misses here , perhaps they should scrap the roundabout and put in lights , but the idea of giving way to vehicle's coming onto a roundabout is ok as long as you can see the bloody things but not if you have a 6 foot hedge or 5 foot wall to see around

[@antsud6208]

How do you indicate where you're going in a roundabout in the UK? The rules seem different to ours (Finland).

[@dyslexiksteve2488]

When I was in Jersey years ago, they have a different way of doing mini roundabout. When you enter the roundabout, you have to stop and let 1 car from your left enter. They then have to do the same and the roundabout keeps flowing and is fair to everyone. It does not apply if you are tuning left other than the car to your right has to let you through. I think it's a great idea and would like to see it in the UK.

[@aj-audi6565]

A point about approaching the roundabout and been positive is to be in the best gear, even in an automatic. I've found that in an auto, the car can be in 2nd gear at the entrance to the roundabout and cause a delay when you need to accelerate on, so causing hesitation, and in turn someone else misreading that and moving forward themselves. ... then the auto kicks down and you 'jump' ahead or break harder than expected. I tend to knock an auto down manually (flappy paddles) to control my gears that way... especially those situations where watching for incoming traffic from the right is not easy

[@ibs5080]

Funnily enough I mentioned this business of mini roundabout "reverse standoff" and resolving it by a slow forward creep when I commented in Ashley's previous video.

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

So those (currently) 588 likes should rightfully be yours, as I hope your solicitors will be making clear to Ashley very soon 👍

[@ibs5080]

Haa! Well now I'm not of that mindset but I appreciate your good humour!

[@R04drunner1]

As usual, great video. At 01:25 I was surprised at the Police car driving over the white spot in the centre. That's illegal. HC 188 (NI): "All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so." I think the driver of the White Audi saw this, thought the Police car might be doing a U-Turn and hesitated. That left the mini-gap for the Peugeot to pull out. Hence the problem.

[@stulop]

I have a difficulty with a regularly used mini roundabout. On approaching the entrance to my right is obscured by high wall. I have to come almost to a complete stop every time in case a car is coming. That entrance also has poor visibility to their right due to a high wall making them slow, creep, almost stop. It all works fine except for the ones that dont slow, creep almost stop.

[@TheKruxed]

Theres a mini roundabout near me with no vision other than the straight on lane due to large walls and houses. The amount of times you go over it straight ahead and some van comes flying through almost taking you out at the rear because they are doing 30 and you actually bothered to slow down. Town planning and road planning is awful in general, they can't demolish the houses but they could insert a speed bump before the roundabout, theres also a school up one of the roads a few meters away which has nothing but blind spots, amazed no ones died recently

[@jollybodger]

There's a mini roundabout where I used to live that used to be a T junction (in the 80's) this one has a clear marker who goes in a stalemate, the road that used to have the giveway markings and sign kept the giveway sign but has a solid white line whereas the other two have the broken lines you see on most mini-roundabouts. This may have changed now, I haven't been there in a few years but in the late 90's that was the case.

[@i0am0random]

I come to a 3 way standstill at the mini roundabouts on my driving lesson, the car to my left started to slow as they saw me coming as nearly coming to a stop. they probably slowed extra due to the fact i was in a learner car, me and the car on my right had got to the roundabout at the same time although they decided to stop, presumably for the car to my left who had already stopped at this point, but that was when i knew i needed to go as the car on my left probably held back because i was a learner which actually gave me a bigger opportunity to go - so i took it - its handy to ass that this mini roundabout has very poor visibility around the corners so youd be going more than slow enough to stop anyway if needed

[@declanrice8739]

Hi Ash, would love to see a video on the lights of a car and when to use side, dipped and full beam, a lot of people (myself included) seem to get it wrong sometimes, a video on this would be very interesting I think

[@TheKruxed]

I'm confused how people get this wrong. In what way are you getting this wrong?

[@declanrice8739]

@@TheKruxed Wrong may have been not the right word, sort of when to switch on dipped lights at what darkness, how unlit does the road have to be to go for full beam, also where I live a lot of people leave full beam on and blind me, so I tend to use full beam sparingly just in case I forget to turn them down for oncoming traffic, more the little things about them

[@TheKruxed]

@@declanrice8739 ok cheers, just my point but most people think its about how you can see but its actually about being seen which is why there are daytime running lights on all cars now. So for me it doesn't need to be dark to put my dipped full beams on its about how visible I am to other people. Most cars have auto lights too so people can leave on full beam and the lights themselves adjust the light to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic and that might be an issue you are having with being blinded as it happens to me too. The corrective positioning of the light doesn't work fully for me so I see flickering or brighter than I should, especially on French cars

[@declanrice8739]

@@TheKruxed oh yeah that’s what I mean, at which point in the day do the headlights significantly help identify you to other road users. Honestly on the full beam point I think some people simply don’t care about other road users, and have no interest in not blinding them, or just simply forget they have them on

[@dwaggys3322]

@@TheKruxed Its a bit confusing to refer to "dipped full beams" if you are referring to a dual beam headlight its either dipped or full beam, I suppose you could have both dipped and full beam on (normally able to get both lights by pushing/pulling on the light stalk) but in the cars I have driven this is sprung loaded to return to dipped only. The problem with auto lights is if the driver thinks they work in all scenarios (indeed, you only mention dazzling oncoming traffic) then they can end up "forgetting" to manually dip when required (pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders) not sure if they work when approaching other vehicles from behind?

[@OhHeyItsLeeGaming]

I've been party to a three-way stand-off where all three of us decided to go at the exact same time after waiting for a few moments, only for all of us to stop again. It was quite comical at the time.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

You have to admit, in that scenario if all three bumped, you'd all get to walk away unscathed when compared to just one driver messing up a tee junction or crossroad.

[@robinbennett3531]

You could have all gone at the same time as long as traffic follows the roundabout, i.e turn left, surely no reason to stop again?

[@Baresi-Unico-Capitano]

Hi Ashley. Please look up Wilson's corner on the approach into Brentwood high street in Essex. It is one roundabout right after another. Standoff's with people constantly being too positive/cautious is simply the order of each day. I wish I had a dash cam to show how much of a farce it is especially when it comes to around the time when the Essex mums in their range rovers head off to pick up their kids from school.

[@davecphotographyuk]

Theres a mini roundabout by me, 1 of the 3 exits has double dotted give way lines, but everyone just ignores it, in fact most people try to give way to me even though i'm giving way to them, if i'm at those lines, or on the other people don't give when they should.

[@bulwinkle]

One other tell that I use when observing traffic waiting to emerge from the left, roundabout or not is, have I seen the driver's face? If not they'll probably emerge without looking.

[@alanhindmarch4483]

I’m amazed by the number of drivers who don’t take in the whole picture on the approach to a mini roundabout and become fixated on the vehicles coming from their right. Even when that vehicle has stopped because of a vehicle coming from their right. By taking a look at the whole picture will as Ashley said allow you to fit in and keep the traffic flowing.

[@allieandmaria]

Haha! I love scenario 2. I've not seen this before, but I have seen the opposite where everyone creeps and then everyone ends up stopping at the line regardless!

[@begrant]

I'd love a video on a similar topic; the idea of getting to a (T) junction and I'm doing a right turn with fair positioning on the right side of my lane. The oncoming traffic with priority includes someone doing a right turn over the front of me and with priority - however they "give way" to allow me to exit, or at least slow down. Logic denotes that I should wait, allow them to go etc etc, but often in this situation they're such a poor driver that they can't complete their right turn without crossing the center line. Would love to hear your thoughs, I know it's not so easy without a video to explain :D

[@joefoxon75]

As Ashley frequently says, priority should be given, not taken, so in that circumstance, if it's obvious what the oncoming vehicle wants you to do, and it's safe to go, then just go. They might just be trying to keep everyone moving at the end of the day.

[@DuskHorizon]

You are but an instrument in the symphony of the road. If you can play a duet and keep the song going, do it. (Eye contact is the key; if you can't see the other driver you can't be sure of their intentions yet)

[@ster2600]

I apologise if this is a very personal question, but the tattoo on your right forearm is really cool! What's the meaning behind it?

[@Rebecka_J]

I had two minors on my [motorcycle] driving test, and this was one of them. I cannot remember the exact details now, but I arrived just after the car to the right which is why I stopped. It was only lasted a matter of seconds as, even though the three directions only had one lane, a van to my left went around the waiting car to make a right turn. So the car made its left turn, I followed, and everything freed itself up. I was told after the test that my mistake was that I should have just gone and left the others to their standoff. Something a lot easier to do when you are not worried about being failed for not giving way! But now in such a situation I just proceed cautiously, someone has to take the first move so it might as well be me.

[@luigicirelli2583]

for car = condition 1 OR condition 2 OR condition 3 then = action 1 else = action 2 driving is a rabbit hole; driving programmatically and passively helps

[@crustyzimmerman3324]

Your vids are getting better, Lad!

[@hubert190601pro]

I have a mini roundabout through a main road and it's a relatively blind until your up on it not to mention cars do not tend to slow down as they go through the main road meaning I have nearly been T-boned twice at significant speed because people go through at 30mph. even with "right of way" I need to look both ways to make sure I don't get hit.

[@tilerman]

TBH, 'the roundabout incident' was all very civilised and worked as a traffic calming measure!

[@DanielHowardIRE]

These are very common here in Ireland too and the amount of people I see using them incorrectly and causing a standoff or worse an accident. When I was learning to drive I had an amazing instructor who hammered into me about extreme vigilance and reading the road and anticipating issues well in advance.

[@juliancarter557]

Try a circular string of mini roundabouts aka the magic roundabout at Hemel Hempstead, especially trying to get out of Lawn Lane at busy periods

[@pwners4u]

I think it’s worse when the first person to arrive is the most timid to go, as that then leaves the other 2 not knowing what to do and have to work it out themselves

[@DuskHorizon]

"If you're not ready I'll go", followed by a retaliatory beep from the timid or the other driver? I would say the only winning move is not to play, but that's not how you maintain flow.

[@bmused55]

There is a mini roundabout in my area that is always busy and you very often get vehicles from all 3 approaches sitting waiting on someone to move first. If I am one of them, I give it a few seconds, then take charge and creep forward. Most of the time, the issue is caused by one or two drivers coming to a full stop at the roundabout, even when it is clear to go. Instead of approaching at a reasonable speed and assessing the situation before they get to the roundabout then pootle up to the giveway line, stop, THEN look. It's infuriating.

[@sataneatcheese6243]

Unless you've already covered this please let me know, but what I want to know for sure is once you are on the roundabout before a vehicle to your right has entered but they enter as you are negotiating the roundabout and they beep you, did they have the right to do that? My understanding is no as you are already on the roundabout and have already assumed priority and they should wait for it to be clear.

[@stuc6787]

Ashley has covered these on other videos. Too many people drive at speed towards a mini roundabout assuming that they have priority when, in actual fact, they may not.

[@leametcalfe7939]

I had a numpty go straight over a flat roundabout aiming at me while blaring their horn. Had they gone round the roundabout I wouldn't have been in their way as I had cleared their exit. Still don't understand why they couldn't give me my space rather than aiming for me, must have been their need for speed in a 30 zone.

[@gucu]

That one where they all go onto the roundabout at the same time. I think you said it correctly, if they go wider they all go round. We have an awkward road layout in Bodmin in Cornwall and this happens quite a lot. But I feel it happens unnecessarily because of aggression. I got on the roundabout first you have to give way and I have seen 3 aggressive drivers nearly collide with each other as they attempt to cross the middle circle first. Guys it is not worth it. 10 seconds of patience or as Ashley said drive wide. Thanks for the video.

[@grahambonner508]

If I remember correctly I think the issue in Bodmin is - are they really roundabouts? I don't recall seeing a roundabout sign? They do look like roundabouts but? Same for those crossings in the same area that aren't really crossings? It's like the planners have done their own little experiment, although I have seen similar on Desborough road, High Wycombe.

[@gucu]

@@grahambonner508 That adds another difficulty!

[@Rybo-Senpai]

When it comes to a clog up with mini roundabouts, at least in my area I've noticed a trend where folk will just sort of treat it a bit like a T-Junction when it gets clogged because in my area most of the Mini Roundabouts are on T-Junctions. It's a quick and easy fix because the majority of the traffic flow is crossing the T and so if someone is coming along the T but wants to go down the T the person coming up the T will just give way to their left while the person coming along the T From the other direction gives way to the right as per usual, the roundabout clears and traffic flows. We all have to just pay attention and do what's best for the flow of traffic. Even if it means we get stopped for a few minutes because some roads if we don't help traffic flow in both directions it can spill back onto other roads and create grid lock.

[@map-reduce]

My city (in the US) recently made a mini-roundabout to replace a four way stop. It is one of the first, if not the first, in our state. The local residents have positively lost their minds on how to use it. Basically, either everyone always stops, or people plow dangerously through without yielding to oncoming traffic. Funny enough though, just north of it is full size roundabout that has been there for eight years and no one seems to have a problem with. SMH.

[@readhead12]

I once had that with 2 T-junctions that were about 50 meters apart and facing into opposite direction. On both lanes someone wanted to turn left ( or right if you are in UK ) and there was traffic behind both vehicles. So the whole situation grid-locked

[@salamander5703]

Problem with these is sometimes "local" rules evolve. One I used to cross on my way to work was a Y junction with a main road from the bottom of the Y forking right and a lesser road straight on. People on the main road expected and took priority, with much horn blowing if someone on the lesser road took their turn following Highway Code rules and didn't wait for the Main road lot to drive up and clear first! Another one was a T junction at which you could go straight ahead or turn left. It had two lanes in but almost everyone used the left lane when going straight ahead and got confused if I used the right hand lane!! I learned, as you say, it was best to gauge speed on approach to avoid other cars from other directions arriving at the same time.

[@cargy930]

There's a light controlled junction near me where 95% of drivers in the left lane are turning left, whilst those in the right lane generally turn right. To complicate matters, the road to my left (where most vehicles are going) has two lanes. Oncoming traffic always pulls across in front of vehicles in the left-hand lane as they think the extra lane gives them a right to do so. To be fair, it works quite well... but only so long as the vehicles in the left lane aren't going straight on! The trouble is they never check for an indicator. I've lost count of the times I've had to take avoiding action when going straight on, simply because a car (or two) has simply assumed I'm turning left, and pulled across in front of me. Obviously I'm prepared for it these days, but it's still irritating when it happens. Especially if the car that's pulled across "toots" me as if I'm the one in the wrong for going strraight on! 😄

[@_.Madness._]

What are you talking about? 🤣 People on main road have priority.

[@salamander5703]

@@_.Madness._ Not according to the Highway code.

[@_.Madness._]

@@salamander5703 What? Which rule are you talking about?

[@salamander5703]

@@_.Madness._ Just Googled it. The only priority rule is that drivers inside the roundabout have the right-of-way over any driver entering the roundabout, regardless of approach direction. Nothing about main road having priority.

[@1daddyDA]

I think it was in the Simpsons where Homer is asked what you should do at a ‘4 way stop’ and nobody is moving? They said to him ‘so who goes first?’ I think I was still instructing then back in Leicester. Homer’s answer was I think the best ‘the Guy with the biggest car!’ Ashley like me you sensibly teach about what we both call ‘Road hierarchy’ It’s even more pronounced when I am on my bike and the car waiting behind another that is parked starts pulling out on me when I am about two bike lengths away. In hierarchy she has a car, I have an ebike and she has ‘right of way’ because she is driving her car.

[@nowiplay2]

I’ve found myself in a stand off or two, which I see is part fault of mine. How awkward is it when you and the car to your left go to go at the same time (because the other 2 cars aren’t moving), then you both brake.. then you both go, then you both brake.. then you both completely stop to see what the other person does.. Then the car that’s straight ahead sees this opportunity and goes, freeing us all. not my proudest moment driving, but that is something that happened a few years back