ScottishJohn 25 #1 May 13, 2003 Here is something that should help any drivers arriving at the UK for the first time. Ok, imagine you have to drive your car in Britain, and you’re less than enthusiastic about it, since you only recently got your driver’s license, and you’ll have to drive on the left lane. And then you see this: mr1.jpg You’re starting to wonder wtf that’s about. You didn’t see anything like this at your driving lessons. And a bit further, you stumble across this situation : mr2.jpg The magic roundabout ! Birds eye view.... mr3.jpg , mr4.jpg Aparantly they have 3 or 4 of these over here.... This ones in Swindon, between London and Cardiff. In the periphiral roundabouts you turn clockwise, in the centre you turn counterclockwise. As you can see, the traffic problem is essentially solved by scaring people into taking alternative routes.---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you think my attitude stinks you should smell my fingers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #2 May 13, 2003 What a mess John, it looks like someone left their coffee cup on the blueprints, and teh builders just made it like the drawing. Again...what a clusterfuck, is this for real? aplogies for doubting you, it is for real....But whereis Florence, Zebedee, Dylan, Dougal, the strange guy who worked the hurdy gurdy, and Brian the Snail?-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #3 May 13, 2003 Ohhhh yes.... its for real... and this is 1 canadian who drove through it a couple of times in Swindon... and survived.....Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #4 May 13, 2003 Quote between London and Cardiff. That narrows it down . That looks like some scary stuff. ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #5 May 13, 2003 Hey, aren't yall taking that crop circles thing a bit too far?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYEVOUT 0 #6 May 13, 2003 That looks like a good excuse for a fiery crash. ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joshjumps 0 #7 May 13, 2003 Dude your avatar is going to give me nightmares....josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dterrick 0 #8 May 13, 2003 Hey Nacmac, are you referring to a kid's TV show with talking flowerpots from the late 60's - early 70's?? My brother in law is from the 'yuck' (U.K.) and I've heard some stories...flubba lubba lubba? Quote But whereis Florence, Zebedee, Dylan, Dougal, the strange guy who worked the hurdy gurdy, and Brian the Snail? Dave PS: Winnipeg is now the proud owner of TWO traffic circles ... something I believe may be unique in Canada. They're small (maybe 60 ft radius) single lane routers along a waterfront drive. To me, a sportscar racing nut, they're just my own private skidpad .. because there's never anyone around. Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBile 0 #9 May 13, 2003 Thanks for that. That's the funniest thing I've seen all day. Gerb I stir feelings in others they themselves don't understand. KA'CHOW ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottishJohn 25 #10 May 13, 2003 Oh yes , it's for real. Bracknell is pretty bad for stupid roundabouts but I couldn't believe that some one actually sat down and designed this , maybe it was a practical joke that went too far. I wonder what it's like on monday morning rush hour.---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you think my attitude stinks you should smell my fingers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottishJohn 25 #11 May 13, 2003 I must change that picture your the second person to have nightmares after seeing it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you think my attitude stinks you should smell my fingers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEB6363 0 #12 May 13, 2003 I was driving on the east coast and they have what they call "rotories," which is 4 or 5 lanes going into a circle.... However, it is just one big doughnug and everyone goes the same direction.... Not at all as fun as what you have there... Once the plane takes off, you're gonna have to land - Might as well jump out!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,146 #13 May 13, 2003 That is wierd. The standard British "yield at entry roundabout" is proven to improve safety and reduce congestion by comparison with traffic lights (US DOT research lab results) so I wonder why they messed with the design.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #14 May 13, 2003 If there were no way I could avoid going through this, I'd probably get out of the car and push it through. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #15 May 13, 2003 Hmmm, this is what happens when the urban design is also done by the guy that runs the local collision repair service.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freekflyguy 0 #16 May 13, 2003 I have driven acros the Magic Roundabout many times, although it looks a nightmare to cross it is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Swindon was the home of Isambard Kingdom Brunell, so it seems quite fitting that it now homes a well designed roundabout. BuzzIt's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #17 May 13, 2003 Damn, haven't the Brits discovered cloverleaf interchanges yet?That has got to be the most f&*ked up traffic device I've ever seen. Fortunately people on that side of the Atlantic drive little toaster-oven -sized cars. The only solution would be to bring a big ass pickup truck from America, and just drive straight on through to the exit you want. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BBKid 0 #18 May 14, 2003 Oh, that thing's a piece of piss to negotiate. Simply put on a baseball cap, turn up the stereo, give the engine some revs (of course, you have a ludicrously large exhaust pipe), and hey presto! Everyone gets outta the way of the boy racer wanker! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTOXX 0 #19 May 14, 2003 Yeh these #$^& things are a nightmare. There is one near Hemel Hempstead and I just about freaked out. Its bad enough that I tend to drive on the righthand side of the road (well most of the time) and then I got to one of these... ------- D.T. Holder SIMstudy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
