If ever there was a junction that should have traffic lights installed then it is the one which currently has a roundabout to manage traffic between Stakes Road, Purbrook Way, Crookhorn Lane and Stakes Hill Road.
The problem is that folks on three of the feeder roads usually come to a stop and feed onto the roundabout in a sensible manner. However, those on the fourth road, Purbrook Way, usually take a run at the roundabout from two to three car lengths back while looking to their right on the assumption that if there is nothing coming from that direction then it is clear for them to traverse the roundabout. This they usually do at speed.
This then means that folks coming from Crookhorn Lane who had diligently stopped, find they have to make a standing start, up hill, into the path of a stream of vehicles that are already moving at speed.
I will admit that I have sat with frustration factor rising higher and higher until I have forced my way onto the roundabout. This usually is greeted by much gesticulation and vocalisation to which I respond in kind trying to indicate that this is a roundabout and that they are supposed to stop at the lines across their road.
One thing I have noted is that the same problem does not occur when the roundabout is approached from any of the other feeder roads. So there must be something about the layout of the entry point from Purbrook Way that causes the entering drivers to totally forget about the highway code and good manners.
I have no idea how many accidents have occurred here but certainly fear for my safety every time I approach this roundabout. I would point out that I am not a timid driver but this site does worry me.
WrAnTz 