In Lexington, we have a traffic circle. Actually, two now, I think. The community has had a bit of a difficult time adjusting to this method of traffic control, and the signage around it has expanded in all directions, both signs on posts and painted on the pavement.
Traffic circles are common in Britain; I had heard this, and experienced them in 2007, going around clockwise, merging first to the right, then to the left lane in time to turn off onto the correct road.
Until I arrived in Colchester and ventured out to the Waitrose grocery, I hadn't seen one like this.
It is absolutely dizzying to watch the cars loop around in a double loop, faster than they should. Crossing traffic as it is speeding off the circle is a bit nerve-wracking. There is a blinking light, meaning that drivers are supposed to stop for pedestrians in that crosswalk, and it is amazing that they actually do. It would make a good animation - cars zipping by and all coming to a very sudden but smooth stop for the lady with the wheeled shopping cart, and then resuming their speed instantly the nanosecond she is on the curb. The second crossing has a traffic light, which makes it easier to cross and not nearly so animation-worthy.
I'll do a lot to shop at a well-stocked grocery store.
There is a double one like this on my way to work too. I ride through it on the bus. Not as scary as crossing it...but still keeps you on the edge, especially if you sit in the front seat on the upper deck.
ReplyDeleteHaving many round-a-bouts in The Villages, FL really made it a lot easier when I drove i Ireland last year. It did take loong to get used to going clockwise instaed of counter-clockwise as we do here.
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