In one of my most controversial blog posts, I chastised American motorists for their resistance to that shining light of roadway design: the roundabout. I argued that Europeans have had the roundabout for decades and are as experienced and accepting of them as anyone in the world.
Well, it turns out I may have been a little too optimistic in that statement as a recent survey by Central Contracts car leasing has shown. Asking visitors to their site to nominate their favourite roundabout, what Central Contacts got instead was countless emails highlighting their least favourite roundabout – and why they were nominated.
Among the worst offenders (read: most nominated) were Queen’s Gardens’ island in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Culverhouse roundabout on the A48 at Cardiff and the confusing “Magic Roundabout” at Hemel Hempstead. Roundabouts in Swindon and Stroke were also singled out.
One voter described the Queen’s Gardens’ island as, “a catastrophe … plagued by constant beeping and motorists stuggling [sic] to find the right lanes”.
Naturally, the competition organisers were both surprised though understanding, as in the words of a company spokesperson:
“The competition was meant as a bit of fun. We’re delighted that we’ve had such a positive response from the public, it’s just a shame they’ve not been so complimentary about their nominations.”
The spokesperson goes on to explain why many of the roundabouts were nominated:
“Common complaints have been poor layouts, worn markings, traffic jams and general confusion, all of which I can understand will frustrate drivers on their regular commute. We’re hoping to receive more nominations for the best roundabout category and are challenging the public to go out there and snap an island which has in some way improved their lives.”
On the latter point, so far the company has only received two positive nominations: for one in Nottingham and another in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. It just goes to show: you can’t be sure of anything until you ask the lay public first. It seems I was wrong, and I wish to apologise profusely. I’m sorry, for it seems not everyone is as enamored with the roundabout as I am.
By Tristan Hankins
Via Telegraph
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