Learnmoore Driving

The roundabouts in Stafford introduce many challenges for drivers both novices and experienced drivers.

A34/Eccleshall road roundabout. Bing Map

 

This roundabout can cause confusion for new drivers to Stafford, on the aprroach from the angle shown, note the two directional arrows for both pointing straight ahead.  There is no “straight ahead” on this roundabout but these refer to the right turn (towards town) on to the A34 dual carridgeway.  Therefore this suggests the left lane is for turning right, but staying and exiting in the left lane, and the right hand lane turning right exiting in the right lane.

The issue of a signal on this can cause confusion.  Technically according the highway code as these are classed as straight ahead it is not necessary to signal on the approach in either lane, but to signal out regardless.   Having said that it may be argued that a right signal could be safer in order to ensure all vehicles know which direction you are going; however this could look as if:

1. You are continuing all the way around the roundabout (full circle)
2. Swapping from the left to the right lane

Obviously this is up to the driver to make that decision.

It is worth pointing out a few hazards to look out for when using this roundabout.  There is a busy petrol station and a McDonalds takeaway entrance with a puffin pedestrian crossing just on the Eccleshall Road.  Often this can back up onto the roundabout and make it difficult to exit both the takeaway and petrol station.  There is also a main Ford dealer which have regular deliveries, where the lorry manoeuvres into the yard, this can cause traffic to slow.  Importantly there is a Ambulance depot near the roundabout with regular blue light runs keep your eyes peeled for emergency vehicles.

 

A34/Sandon B5066/Telford A518. Bing Map

This is a spiral (where you start in the correct lane and follow the lanes left for every exit) traffic light controlled roundabout, recently the timings on the signals have been changed they could be set up better.  As with all spirals/gyratory systems (covered in the learnmoore driving syllabus) looking ahead at signs and road markings is critical, along with very good all around observation.

To turn right towards Telford A518 starting in the right lane.  This stays right until the next traffic lights, the lane then moves slowly left.  This lane builds up with traffic, but often this is not necessary as both lanes from here go towards Telford A518.  If both lanes where more readily used, this roundabout would flow more smoothly.  On the exit to this roundabout it a pelican pedestrian crossing which is very busy in towards town.  Two lanes become one here, then there is another newly improved puffin crossing outside Sainsburys.  This is very busy, due to the upgrade there must have been several near misses or seriously injured pedestrians here, there is then a busy bus lane.

Following the A34 here presents its own challenges here. particularly for new drivers to Stafford.  The signage is ok here, but quite difficult to see, and late.  The A34 road markings here could be clearer as both left lanes are for A34 South, although this has been improved recently.  As the lanes enter this roundabout the turn sharply left, it would not suprise me if a few incidents and/or near misses occur here, as the three lanes move quickly to the left.  Many move out of lanes here.  As you exit the roundabout the lane moves far left and many position poorly here, so be aware.  Again on the exit of this roundabout is a busy pedestrian crossing, where there have been casualties also (as there is a sign to warn drivers before hand)

A34/Sandon B5066/Telford A518…..From Sainsburys (Telford A518 direction) Bing Map

This can be confusing without careful thought, particularly for A34 South (Cannock).  There are three lanes here, left lane for turning left (A34 North, Stone), the centre and right for other directions.  The Centre for Sandon B5066 and A34 South (Cannock) where you move onto the roundabout in a central position towards the left kerb near the next set of lights on the roundabout, and the right for A34 South (Cannock) and full circle.

Once on the roundabout and passing the first set of traffic lights, the roundabout splits into four lanes, left for Sandon B5066, two centre lanes for A34 South and far right towards Telford A518.

A34/Sandon B5066/Telford A518…..From Asda (A34 Cannock) Bing Map

This is the best layout on the approach with fairly clear road markings and signs.  take care to plan for the traffic lights and try and keep in lane.  Keep an eye out for buses approaching from the left on the approach as this is the main town bus stops.