Spiral or Gyratory Roundabouts

[@maureenwright7001]

Best advice I was ever given to help with navigating spiral roundabouts was keep an eye on the markings on your left side. It was a game changer for me.

[@dencrothers3529]

This is great. I had an accident on a spiral roundabout because I had no idea what I was doing. Thank you 👍

[@hybridangel3403]

I was taught how to use a very simple one because it was on my test but I still am scared but they were high speed road linking in Birmingham.

[@1024sofia]

@John McTim Ashley did say they don't teach u much about spiral round abouts

[@dencrothers3529]

Yeah I can honestly say I never come across a sprial roundabout on any of my lessons. I know at the time learners didn't need to use them as they weren't allowed to access motorways, but its beneficial to learn them as you're undoubtedly going to come across them after you pass your test

[@paulcollyer801]

I’ll be honest, while that’s how I use these roundabouts exactly, I’ve never viewed it as different to other roundabouts. It clearly IS different, but I’ve never viewed it as such. I’ll be passing a link for this video on. Excellent video again.

[@AndyBradley1984]

Passed my test 5 years ago, never had these spiral roundabouts explained to me at all, didn't even know what they were called. Always hated it when I found myself on one as the "usual roundabout rules" don't really apply. Thanks for sharing!

[@iniehawk4472]

Best advice I've heard, I heard it from my dad, my instructor, Ashley and a few car and bike vloggers. Give people space to make mistakes Then their mistakes don't hurt you

[@philcaffrey]

Thanks Ashley. There are 2 of these that I use regularly, one at Jct 7 of the M62, and one on the Wirral. This video, after 40 years of driving, has taught me something new. Great stuff. I also cycle regularly and have noticed that, generally, since the highway code changes, motorists are a little more generous. Not all - I still get close passes on a daily basis, but it's better. Your videos are a real education, even for someone who tries to be a good driver every day. Thanks for your work.

[@ibs5080]

Great video Ashley, superb tips and a great revisit from your original video. Ive learned some new things from this video and look forward to putting them in practice. Just goes to show, you never stop learning (passed my test first time in 1978).. Amazing to think you've been making these video for at least 6 years now. You've created quite something here Ash, all very very positive. I think the traffic engineers have created as many problems as they have solved with these spiral roundabouts. On the one hand, they increase the throughput or capacity of a junction by having all those multiple lanes. But on the other hand, it introduces much confusion and potential for near misses and accidents. Just a look at all the comments and opinions in this very thread, on the whole all very intelligent actually but with differing opinions on how to handle. And this is just from subscribers to Ashley's channel. Add to that the opinions of the whole general driving public and you can see how conflicts can occur, no matter how unintended. Ashley's comment about these types of roundabouts not even being mentioned in the Highway Code, nor does signage indicate on the approach the TYPE of roundabout are all very valid and add to the whole issue. Others have also commented here that learners aren't often taught how to negotiate these types of roundabouts. I sense many of us were taught only to handle what i call a "text book" roundabout, with entry and exit roads at 12, 3, 6 and 9 O clock positions or slight variations. Ashley, how often is the Highway Code revised and published and how do they go about gaining feedback from the general public on revisions? Another big omission for me is there js no mention in the HC as to how to handle a traffic light junction when the traffic lights are out of action. I've seen some motorists drive straight through without even slowing down as if the junction doesn't even exist and there is often much confusion. In other countries, you must treat it as a 4 way stop and yes I know, we don't have those in the Uk.

[@wfendick6542]

Thanks Ashley, 23yrs of driving, just starting my LGV and that's the first time I've even heard the name "spiral roundabout", I always knew I was doing something wrong, hated Tarbuck island and now (thanks to you) I understand how to approach and deal with it.

[@ashley_neal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ctclothbagco]

There is a roundabout in Leicester on the A46, right lane of 3 is for going to the services, then on the roundabout there are little to no markings and you have to move over left 2 lanes half way round to get the little weird offshoot that goes to the services

[@anonymousyoutubeman]

Thanks Ashley. These roundabouts were a nightmare for me. Not anymore. This is very clear

[@yepyepchris]

On the topic of motorways; I think it would be useful for you to do a video on entering motorway services, as many of them take you from the off ramp directly into a fork leading to either HGV parking or car parking, and the general layout can be confusing to new drivers. A lot of services also tend to have a shorter than normal on ramp which I’ve seen cause issues for inexperienced drivers.

[@red2]

Good video. Best one I've seen on spirals. On the learners FB forums they don't know that you must change lanes to the right if your taking a high exit. Luckily my instructor showed me this on a small spiral roundabout we have here. It only has 2 lanes and 5 exits... so we must move to the right. Unfortunately other drivers dont know the rules of them and just drive anywhere.

[@animeeddie2104]

Very good advice. I'd drive the Hanger Lane gyratory in rush hour most days and more days than not there would be some sort of accident. Give people space, give yourself time, expect that someone might change lanes suddenly. Plan and look ahead.

[@josephmarsh8235]

It's been very helpful this video Ashley. I know another online instructor who does mock test videos who also says lots of people get confused with spiral roundabouts. This has given me a good way of knowing

[@jav.611]

Incorrect road markings at 10:44 - 'H'TON A5080' is painted first (closest to car as you approach), but it should come after 'M62W'

[@iainjones537]

Chapter 5 says it should be the same information as the lane destination sign: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/773421/traffic-signs-manual-chapter-05.pdf and it is.

[@Wayfarer-Sailing]

What is confusing is that having reached the lane with your destination painted on the road surface (10:32 and 10:44) you then have to move further to the right. This is hugely confusing, as it in effect contradicts the green signs. Combined with the lack of any prior notice that the roundabout is designed to function as a special case it's no wonder that these junctions cause difficulties and anxiety!

[@sabotage3d]

Thank you for the video. I would love to see more examples of spiral roundabouts and different exit points. What is the safest course of action if we find lost inside the roundabout?

[@edgarsliepins5680]

THANK YOU ASHLEY NEAL

[@amandabrown1016]

Hi Ashley i am doing spiral roundabouts on my lessor on Wednesday your video is giving me a understanding on how to use them thank you

[@ashley_neal]

Thanks Amanda. Let me know how you get on. Good luck 🤞🏼

[@johno4521]

Thanks Ashley, I learned something from this about the order of the exit markings in your lane. i.e. if your exit isn't first in the order, expect to have to move to the right. There's a new gyratory near me which forms part of a triple deck road junction built to alleviate years of bottle neck problems. The route I travel, to turn right you can approach in the LEFT slip road lane, which becomes the middle lane, which then becomes the nearside lane of 2 on the right exit.

[@ashley_neal]

It is a useful point about the order of exit markings but they cannot always be relied upon. Even this roundabout that I covering this video has a road marking mistake. Have a look at 10:44 where it says Huyton first on the road surface but I still have to move one more lane to the right hand side. Thanks for watching, Ashley.

[@Maceymayjunejuly]

Im glad to see this comment as this confused me when i saw the marking and you moved right again. This is how people panic and make a bad lane change. I go the wrong way safely all the time in unfamiliar areas. ​@@ashley_neal

[@anon1903kg]

The 14:00 roundabout broke my brain a bit and I watched a few times to really understand this. I feel like I've seen spiral roundabouts before but the sign has always made sense to me for where I wanted to go. However, I would have said the Manchester road would 100% be in the left lane due to being a thicker exit on the sign (and less than 12 O'Clock) but it isn't the case here. Surely they should be putting one of those rectangular green signs before the roundabout too, it's so much clearer for which lane you need to be in imo.

[@Drie237]

Excellent tips and explanation, thank you.

[@Kromaatikse]

If you ask me, *all* multi-lane roundabouts should be set up this way. Some signage improvements, particularly the addition of gantry signs for lane guidance, might help with comprehension and planning, but the big win is the reduction in lane changes. You only change lanes to the offside (the side that's easiest to see), and only when first emerging (when you have checked for a lack of approaching traffic) and when a new lane is just opening on that side (so nobody is already in it). Alas, the only roundabout anywhere near me is a tiny one-lane affair that might have been installed purely to give the local driving schools an opportunity to teach it.

[@FreddyVan]

Tarbock Island is much improved since the M62E to M57N free flow lane was built a few years ago. It used to be ten times worse with all the hgvs taking up the roundabout's capacity. 😯

[@coin4791]

Thanks for a heads up

[@lawrencepeters4139]

Great vlog been driving 40 years and only seen a very few but now better informed do very much enjoy your short videos

[@ashley_neal]

Glad you like them!

[@davidrumming4734]

Excellent. - the spiral near my workplace isn’t a motorway or even dual related. Just multiple A routes + a town centre road. This was retro fitted into a space, so a lot more narrow-leave space for buses & trucks....but the method is identical. Swindon (several miles from me) has lots of them....you really have to be on your game when dealing with one after another and another....and another! It really helps a lot to know the layout thru experience-important to remember other people may not be so familiar with it, for example - how to get to the hosp, hence some people lane change. Leave space if in doubt. I actually feel like I should have a sign in the back window.....hospital? - follow me.

[@owen3766]

Am I the only one still confused here? 10:44 we see the lane dead ahead taking us to A5080 HTON but then it suddenly becomes just the M62? It's not clear at all that you have to move to the right lane to find the A5080 HTON?

[@royfearn4345]

I know the theory of the spiral roundabout in that it's supposed to sling you off at the right place, but it seldom works out in practice due to the number of drivers who all seem to have different ideas regarding Lane changes. It seems to me that the safest thing is to follow your sound advice but always be aware that there is a fair chance there'll be someone cutting across so drive defensively and be prepared.

[@JackHardman]

Thank you for this!

[@ashley_neal]

My pleasure!

[@Ginger_Dalek]

If people think spiral roundabouts are scary, visit Slough or Hemel Hempstead and try surviving the so-called "Magic Roundabout" both those towns have!

[@ethandennis6832]

I actually love that Slough Sainsbury’s roundabout it’s actually fun & easy, but I have to admit I would be confused visiting it for the first time

[@EffMTee]

My favourite is the Hanger Lane Gyratory, glorious 8 lane chaos

[@Just-SomeGuy]

The best thing to do with roundabouts is keep an eagle eye on the road markings, keep looking around you, go as slow as is safe and give everyone plenty of space.

[@Asto508]

I think we don’t have such roundabouts over here in Germany and I see why. It’s just confusing as hell at first, especially reading those large signs telling you where to go in just 2 seconds. Edit: I have to correct myself, we have such roundabouts, I've just never used one obviously.

[@Madsstuff]

thank you

[@ShumonB]

I was wondering if I'm I'm a 30 zone and for a brief second do 31 would that be an instant fail?

[@rishii96]

This video is informative! Wow

[@Cheezsoup]

Ashley. Maybe a bit less emphasis on these roundabouts being on Motorways, but I use a few of these spirals NOT on a motorway . I am in Scotland rather than England yes these tend to be on bigger roads (dual carriageways, urban clearways etc) but not necessarily on Motorways. There was one I went on in virtually every lesson (one more occasionaly) . The same two were on my actual test route. Main one :- A71 Calder road(left~right) over A702 Edinburgh bypass (top~Bottom) postimg.cc/JsqcVTtq

[@SkeeterUK]

Uve done it manual and how to do it that way. I would be curious how a sat nav would guide u round that one starting 9:50 mark. As in what its saying and what the guide on the map looks like. So a camera on the sat nav always say in the corner of the screen and a front dash cam to see as the main window. Maybe one day you might do that to go along side this one?

[@splodger7881]

One bloke followed me all the way home and disconnected my horn because he doesn't know how to use a gyratory roundabout!

[@marklittler784]

Would of saved time if he purchased some ear plugs.

[@davidellis8141]

I find there is to much information to look at if you don’t know the roundabout. It might help if a sat nav is on to help. My local small spiral has lanes leading to your exit but if you choose the wrong one to start your buggered.

[@banzaiman1]

i don't understand the last lane move @ 10:44 you are in the correct lane for H'TON so why move over again? If looking at the markings on the road that lane should take you to where you want to go??

[@banzaiman1]

Scratch that, just listened to your explanation on the order of exits on the road markings

[@grahamnutt8958]

Viewed on mobile (small screen) so I might have missed something 🤔. My take on the situation is...... From approx 10:29 to 10:48 there appeared to be at least one lane to your nearside that was incorrectly marked - I am certain that you were in the correct lane at all times. The lane changes you made put you into the correct lane which was apparent at approx 10:49 onwards where the nearside lane peeled off to M62(?) leaving you in the ideal position for the dedicated A5080 exit. The latter two demonstrations were also useful. The final demonstration particularly highlighted when the 3rd exit (straight on) to the A5080 was a case of being in the right hand lane - I couldn't see an issue with the road markings there - but understand why the left hand lane, in this instance, would've required a lane change. If my post is erroneous then please correct me - I can accept criticism. Great content; remastered in HD 😊. Stay safe everyone 👍👍

[@ibs5080]

I can see why you've been unofficially voted as the subscriber with the most intelligent comments, not just by The Master himself...but by other subscribers. I'm actually jealous and aiming for second place but you are giving me a serious run for the money! Totally just good natured kidding, it's not a competition. Joking aside, your comments and insight are at a seriously high level Graham and always very interesting to read.

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@ibs5080 Not convinced that I could be in pole position, so to speak, as there are many other subscribers who have made worthwhile relevant contributions - including your posts. The vote of confidence - appreciated - but as you say, it isn't a competition by any means 😊. If it wasn't for Ashley's inspiration & dedication, I believe that the roads would be a more dangerous place. Thanks for the input. Stay safe 👍

[@JoeAndElierMC]

Random question, do you have problems with the suction cup melting to the windscreen on hot days when driving towards the sun? (I know UK doesn't really have that warm/sunny days but still( My fear is that if I did that and drove towards the sun in like 20 degrees Celsius the suction cup would melt to my windscreen.

[@antonycharnock2993]

Spiral roundabouts are pretty common in the South Yorkshire area with some locally infamous ones such as College Rd in Rotherham, Stairfoot in Barnsley or the new M1 J36/Dearne Valley Parkway roundabout kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnfMhYxmbbuGpNU

[@leesullivan1916]

Guess ya never too old or cleaver to learn... Thx

[@marklittler784]

Some people think they're called rallyabouts. 😂😁😀😃

[@chilleddriving1455]

There's no reason for instructors to take pupils on motorways?!

[@chxlds4780]

first

[@Plexipal]

Doesn’t signal to come off motorway because there’s no one around. But then signals to go around an island when there’s no one around. THEN comes off an island when there’s people around and doesn’t signal?

[@liam00]

There was no need to signal off the motorway because there was no one there. He signalled right on the roundabout because there was traffic coming out from the first exit, so he is making it clear his position to them. Finally, coming off he was in a lane at the lights for the exit he took

[@Plexipal]

Liam I Yeah and then he holds back from the van because he says he doesn’t know where he’s going?

[@liam00]

@@Plexipal He said he held back in case the van driver doesn't know what he's doing. You might as well hold back for the sake of 2 seconds.

[@Plexipal]

Liam I Ah ha! But if the van driver USED HIS INDICATORS to confirm his intention to exit you can be assured that he knows what he’s doing and where he’s going BECAUSE HE’S TELLING YOU WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO and there would be no need for guess work.

[@liam00]

@@Plexipal Indicating isn't necessary there because that lane is for that exit, and people do indicate wrongly or change their mind.

[@jimg492]

Hey Ashley, I have always struggled to get my head around spiral roundabouts, despite having driven for many years. And as such I have found this video very helpful indeed, so thank you! Having said that, I do feel you have missed one important thing.... if in doubt, stay in lane and follow it through. You can always turn around when safe, come back and take the exit you required 🙂

[@TimpBizkit]

Ahh, the dreaded "swiss-roll" about, foils the plans to go round again if you miss your exit, and the plans to "play it safe" in the left lane. They are far easier when the road is not busy and cars don't cover the lane markings.

[@ToadyBloyster]

Good video. The only thing I’d do differently is not indicate on approach. Rather I tend to indicate separately to imply each lane change to the right until reaching my required lane, similarly to lane changes on a motorway. I think indicating right from the start might confuse people around you and could even make people unfamiliar with the roundabout think they are approaching a standard roundabout.

[@steamhammer2k]

I have been aware of the different types of roundabout, never knew they had a names though. I think they must have been invented after I passed my driving test (that was many years ago in my case) I did not know about the lane marking order on the road was a guide to the fact that you will/will not have a lane change for your destination. Proof that you never stop learning road craft. Excellent video

[@stephen5608]

Another great video Ashley, I've been driving for just over 2 years now and I didn't even know those roundabouts were called Spiral or Gyratory roundabouts. Its good that you are teaching your pupils how to use them because im sure there are many people like myself where when I started to drive I found those roundabouts difficult when in fact they are actually easy, when I come access one of these roundabouts for the first time In a new area I like to leave extra room in front then what I usually would so I am able to give myself plenty of time to see road markings and signs

[@fluffyfetlocks]

18:21 was a bit worried about that ford with such a full boot XD

[@dalmo001]

My personal experience is that the majority of spiral roudnabouts I've encoutered usually have 3 lanes. 2 lanes that will carry you round the roundabout, and an exit lane, which is usually lane 1 (sometimes 2 but this is usually, in my experience, a slip road onto a motorway, and lane 2 can also be used to drop to lane 1 after you pass the exit). If we use Ashley's vid as an example, he is taking the 5th exit to Huyton on a 3-lane sprial roundabout. 5 into 3 doesn't go. Therefore he would need to stay in the right-most lane for two exits. After the second exit he was in lane 3. After the third exit this became lane 2, and after the forth exit he was in lane 1, and ready for his exit from the roundabout. If you can remember that on a spiral roundabout after every exit, your lane number is reduced by 1, navigating them is much easier . This is a general rule of thumb, but always read the roadsigns as not every roundabout is the same.

[@ober9000]

I'm not even from the UK, but you also taught me something with this video. I only know of one roundabout of this spiral type, it's in Graz (Austria). And my first time going through it my thoughts were definitely "wtf is this". But now I get the intention behind it.

[@hotnom1]

Thanks Ashley, I've been driving for 41 years and have a HGV1 driving licence and a PSV licence, I was always taught to take the left hand lane at roundabouts up to 12o/c on the sign. I watched a KZbin video from Think Driving School on spiral and gyratory roundabouts in Basingstoke as I work on the Houndmills Industrial Estate in Basingstoke. I asked in the comments section how he knew to take the right hand lane when he was taking the exit straight ahead that was the 3rd exit, he never answered just deleted my comment so I guess he didn't know either. The thing I still hate about roundabouts is when you leave a motorway and want to turn right and you get in the right hand lane only to find out as you get to the roundabout I could have turned Right in the left hand lane, it would be helpful if there was a sign when you exit onto the slip road to tell you what lane to use, very difficult in a large slow lorry.

[@ashley_neal]

I hope this cleared a few thing up for you! Thanks for watching!!

[@RickP2012]

That's a horrible roundabout if you don't know it. I can't count the number of times I've seen someone join (from the opposite direction) from the Knowsley Expressway and want to join the M62 towards Manchester and find themselves in the lane to Whiston, then quickly cut back in when they realise. In fact, I always try to leave space because 3 out of 4 times someone will do it.

[@davidchilds9590]

My gripe about large roundabouts is the way instructions are communicated only by painted road markings. When the traffic is heavy and the information is most important, those marking are not easily visible, least of all in good time. Worse, the paint is often heavily worn, so the lanes cannot easily be identified.

[@alanjutsum2823]

Hi ash as an Adi I've a pupil who is struggling with Hicks gate roundabout Bristol following the lines is so confusing with yellow boxes and also the pitch of the road is not good. Passed this on to my pupil. Sorted hopefully

[@peterhurst]

Spiral Roundabouts - I never realised they had a name! I've been driving since the 80's and a lot in your neck of the woods and spiral roundabouts "just happened" you make some good points about lack of training and can see why a few people make mistakes, but it's amazing how many people just get it. As well as your point about signage before, Tarbock is to me a good example of bad lane marking, I've been round it hundreds of times so I know it but you can see people changing lanes as they realise they were following the wrong M62 on the lanes. Maybe the W should be much larger than the M62? Tarbock is one of the trickiest in this area just because it's so compressed compared to newer layouts and from my recollection got converted to spiral in the late 90's

[@MePeterNicholls]

It’s incredible how many people don’t understand these. People hardly pay attention to roads markings!

[@KILLER.KNIGHT]

Could you make a video about going straight ahead or turning left on a roundabout?

[@gamesmaster1060]

There's a roundabout near me were their are 3 or 4 lanes, the 1st two lanes both say m5, but if you follow the 2nd land to the m5, it leads you into a service station so idk anymore lmao

[@drewwyatt1274]

I found it interesting that you didn't indicate coming off the motorway as "you don't say excuse me in an empty room." My driving instructor taught me you should always indicate regardless of surrounding traffic. As he put it "you won't wear them out", so I always use them whenever I turn. Admittedly this was in the tail end of the '80s

[@broadsword6650]

It’s about observing and thinking, being active and dynamic, not robotic and formulaic.

[@drewwyatt1274]

@James Stewart Again, interesting. The logic I was told was that, especially on junctions in built up areas, or with hedges or walls, can you be 100% certain that nobody is approaching the junction other than yourself? And if you are to err some of the time, which we all will, is it better to err on the side of indicating when it is not strictly needed, or to err on the side of not indicating when it is actually needed? Having successfully ridden motorcycles for 30 years, I understand the value of observation, but I also understand the value of erring on the side of giving everyone around you as much information as you can of your intentions, in the hope that one in a million actually pays attention. :)

[@JanZamani]

I always signal as to keep the habit of signalling, I'm less likely to forget to signal

[@peterroberts7921]

@@JanZamani Totally agree. If no one is there to see your signal so what, no harm done. But if drivers get into a habit as many these days do, they soon forget or get lazy and dont bother to indicate at all, on some journeys I can safely say that 50% or less of drivers indicate when they should do so, and I sometimes find i am one of out 5 cars that could be bothered to indicate turning off, horrible statistics.

[@cactusbase3088]

I hate those mid sized three laned roundabouts that do not have spiral road markings to help guide traffic. The ones where the outer two lanes can be taken for a junction to the right but inexperienced drivers in the middle of the three lanes do not move over to the outer (left) most lane prior to the exit junction. This forces the driver in the inner lane to be stuck in the inner lane at the exit junction and cannot safely take the exit and end up having to go around the roundabout again. This is compounded when there are traffic lights at the exit junction. I try to stick to the middle lane in this situation and move over to the left most lane as soon as it is safe to do so. I feel it is not so much bad driving causing these situations but very poor roundabout design or markings.

[@matth2681]

great video as always, always been something that makes me nervous and I feel a lot more confident having watched this!

[@robertmartindale563]

I think I was lucky with my lessons, I had sandygate roundabout, which is quite a large non motorway spiral roundabout, and West point arena which has road layouts and which is the first place my instructor to me to.

[@ChickenNugget-ew6fl]

I am a new driver, and i had to go thru several spiral roundabouts. It was very scary to be honest,but somehow i managed it, even though it was the first time. Thanks for pointing about new drivers,that could do mistakes. We also need chances to improve our driving. Bless you, you are a lovely and humble person

[@andyalder7910]

I guess you don't call them turbo roundabouts since that would suggest people drove round them fast.

[@jakerockznoodles]

Thankfully, where I learned we actually have a couple of "smaller scale" spiral roundabouts, neither of which actually connect directly to a motorway or dual carriageway. Given that one indirectly connects to an A-road that leads straight to the local test centre, new drivers up here will almost certainly make themselves familiar before getting their licence 😉

[@christopherkevinlee2992]

12:09 I feel like a idiot, been driving for about 3 years and don't know how to deal with spiral roundabouts. I'm sure I been on a Spiral roundabout before and I'm sure I totally messed up lucky enough if I remember right i had no cars near me at the time

[@jontownsend8090]

Great info there, the issue i have with some spiral roundabouts is as you pointed out, poor quality road markings and watching out for late or unnecessary lane changes. I had noticed on your video a major sign on the right that was 90% obscured by foliage,. We pay our road tax, not only to be on the road, but also a service, a maintenance program where things need to be kept in order to improve safety. I try my best to play my part in road safety, the authorities need to match it also.

[@simpleasliam657]

I was never taught about them, even though there are absolutely loads by me. Didnt know they had a name either, but good video, I always find the ones I have trouble on are the ones I'm unfamiliar with and the spiral lanes aren't painted on properly.

[@SuperDirtyFrank]

I've come across a few of these spiral roundabouts and if you're in an unfamiliar area they can be extremely difficult to navigate without any issues. You get information overload from the multitude of road markings, road signs, and the other traffic that can make it feel like you're in a video game. This is even more true if you come across one in poor weather or at night and the other traffic is unsure of where they need to be. Btw, I just learned they were called spiral roundabouts.

[@Eric_Hunt194]

It doesn’t help that certain local authorities have heard the word "Gyratory" and thought "ooh, that sounds fancy, let's use that when we reconfigure any busy intersections". Hence my own local authority loves to brand non-motorway junctions as "X Gyratory". One example being Ravensthorpe Gyratory near Dewsbury which cropped up in one of Ashley's "viewer's clips" videos.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

This is very important valuable information that everyone needs to know and learn as like most of us, we weren’t taught how spiral roundabouts work, I like to think of them like this..lane 1 is for exits 1 and 2, if you need exit 3 move 1 lane to the right, if you need exit 4 move 1 more lane to the right etc, but that’s just a very rough guideline as all roundabouts are different..there’s a spiral roundabout close to where I live in the city where it gets you go right 3 exit from lane 1 the left lane! 🙃

[@goonernumone8444]

Yeah take a look on Google maps at the A13 - A406 on maps ( into london) 5 or 6 lanes the first 2 lanes go left (A1020) then A13w then A406 then A13e its crazy, ive got it nailed now but I actually know drivers that will avoid that roundabout driving through barking to join the A406 from the A124, thats a spiral but just 3 lanes, look on maps its always chaos

[@sugoruyo]

Came to the UK from a country where roundabouts are rare and which drives on the right. 2 months in I found myself having to drive through: - The Swindon Magic Roundabout - Birmingham's Spaghetti Junction - London's Hanger Lane Gyratory all within the span of 2 weeks. One could say it was a baptism by fire. The white van man waits for no-one.

[@Katcycle]

Wow I never realised how these 'big roundabouts', as I called them, worked. I don't think they existed when I was learning to drive, and obviously they don't work like a regular roundabout. I've always hated them and to be honest, I could never figure out which lane to be in, I find the signs hard to follow, and the road markings just as bad. They're just so confusing. And the worst thing was everyone else causing mayhem around me because they simply wouldn't give me the time and space to figure it all out. Anyway, now I really understand how they work, which is quite neat, I've realised. But too late - I no longer drive, having decided to go car free for various reasons. I guess if I ever need to drive again , at least I'll have the knowhow! And the message about giving others time and space is important - just because so many people find them difficult,.like me.

[@alexdiezg]

Watching with interest, to my knowledge we don't have such roundabouts here in Sweden.

[@AppleTom9091]

I don't think we have these type of roundabouts in Australia.

[@ysabellpp]

Or in Poland...I think they are only in the UK to mess with people....

[@Key_Expressions]

9:42 I'd say we can go to M62(W) and A5080 from either lane at this junction. 9:51 Here I see that we need to be in the right-hand lane for Huyton. 10:38 I can see that the next exit is for the M62(W). 10:44 I'd say that this marking should have appeared at 10:49 . 11:45 I know that there are no pedestrians waiting at the pedestrian crossing area, but it is hard to see clearly from here. So I would probably signal left (if I had a licence and a car and I was you). 11:49 Still no pedestrians. 14:15 So at this point, we need to take the middle or right lane on the roundabout because any vehicles on our left might want to go ahead. 15:11 I can't see the pedestrian crossing area from here, but I guess I would signal. 17:14 We would need to position for lane 2 on the roundabout if we were going to Huyton once we had passed the first exit. I feel a bit more confident with the idea of spiral roundabouts (having not driven for twenty years), when we take into consideration the road paint. When your intended destination is the first paint that you see on the road (as you drive towards it), you're in the correct lane, and you should now follow the line on your left as it guides you out. Maybe a work around would be to enter the spiral roundabout in the right-hand lane (every time) and signal right and keep moving to the right until we see the road paint for our destination. Then follow the line on the left. Best wishes from IPT.

[@tarkanyilmaz6905]

When you had an accident with the van in that spiral roundabout, the van driver was at fault right? In a situation like this how does the insurance work? Dont you need to prove you are not at fault? Does your insurance premium go up as well? When you have an accident in a busy roundabout are you not supposed to immediately stop and take pictures of the accident?and exchange information? Do you need to call the police? New driver here. Absolutely no idea. Any help be appreciated

[@matthorner35]

I am struggling with these badly. Even checking google maps for a satellite view before hand but still buggered getting on to the M20 at Swanley roundabout because the floor markings were seemingly done at 4.59pm on a Friday

[@Hagar1302]

Some great advice Ash, although I don't necessarily agree with all of it. Mainly because your underlying statement is that they exist primarily at motorway junctions. Where I live there are many spiral roundabouts on our test routes and the nearest motorway junction with a spiral is near to 30 miles away. Great work. Just a bit too reliant on that theme and would be contradictory in a more urban/local setting, in which case, I could easily add another 10 mins of theory.

[@ashley_neal]

So just near you they aren’t primarily at motorway junctions. Does that mean UK wide they aren’t? 😂 See the bigger picture I think. How do pupils on test cope with them where you live?

[@Hagar1302]

@@ashley_neal you made the valid point that on approach there are no indications that it isna spiral so i stick to normal practice when teaching clients to consider their approach position based on 'clock face' exits then note if there are any small square markings/studs that don't exist on every roundabout but exist in spirals. It's the earliest indication I've ever seen.

[@tauseefrahman6699]

So easy way to get understand the complicated spiral roundabout .first i have 10 to 20 percent understanding after this video it jump up to 70 to 80 percent. Weldon Ashley keep it up.

[@alansevern290]

Hi Ashley, I'm sorry to disagree with you, being a driving instructor, but to not signal on an empty road, to me, is the start of a slippery slope. Like not signalling whilst driving around urban areas when the roads are empty, when there is the potential to there being pedestrians at junctions, who need to know your intentions. I always signal, empty roads or not, it's just a good habit to keep to, in my opinion. I also notice you drive with your thumbs inside the steering wheel. I was advised by my driving instructor many years ago, not to do this but to hold the steering wheel with your thumbs on top of the wheel. This is because if one was to hit a pothole, which our roads are riddled with, and the wheel whips around, it could potentially break one of your thumbs when struck with the one of the arms that support the circular section. Just thought I'd mention it buddy, keep up the great informative videos pal 👍🏼

[@anneweston75]

I passed my test 4 months ago and I have done a couple of these roundabouts,, but I didn't have a clue what I was doing...it was a bit scary. I'm fine on normal roundabouts but as you say, it's not part of the syllabus. So thank you for a very useful video.

[@joshwilliamson3428]

Big help never fully understood them

[@jfergs.3302]

I've been driving 25 years, and i've never heard of these terms before! But i've used that Tarbock roundabout a zillion times... well i never, you live and learn :)

[@broadsword6650]

Signage is a major problem, especially in heavy traffic. Directions painted on the road are often faded, covered by vehicles, and can be unreadable in wet weather at night. Roadside signs can be obscured by trucks. Far better would be gantry signs.

[@MultiMidden]

When they're good they're great but when they're bad they are terrible. One example of a really bad one is the A48/A470 one in Cardiff, it doesn't seem to know if it's a normal roundabout or spiral.

[@Magnate1992]

Hi Ashley, Great video as always. Could you please do more videos on spiral roundabouts? My instructor never took me to one. Thank you.

[@fredashay]

I like this style of multi-lane roundabout. Keep moving to the right each time the lane splits until you're in the lane you need and then just stay in that lane. No need to cut cross multiple lanes of traffic to take your exit. As you Brits like to say, that's Brilliant!

[@MK-1973]

Really useful and interesting as always, thank you. Particularly liked the ideas around 'moves to the right ' and the order of the road markings.

[@hybridangel3403]

Thanks. Ashley. How I passed I don't know much about them. I was taught how to use them. But not properly. And its what scares me. I live in Birmingham near the m5 n. .

[@eurosonly]

They should color code the lane markings to let the drivers know when and where each lane exits. If you've picked a lane, you must stay in it and exit when it ends. Most people would just make a last second lane change to stay in the round about and that's how collisions happen.

[@prakashadhikari8602]

I have seen your video first time. Clear and understandable. Would be more helpful if it was in slow motion. Thank you for sharing.