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Roundabouts and overtaking


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As long as there isn't some other reason not to, I don't see why not. In the example you gave if it's a large two lane roundabout on a dual carriageway, clear except for that one car & the other driver isn't wandering across their lane or anything, why not?

 

Some roundabouts it's not going to be practical, but it's possible to overtake safely on a roundabout.

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Yes, so long as the other driver appears to be observing good lane discipline.

If I'm going to do it though, I always do it quickly, hanging about in the blind spot whilst passing slowly and both exiting is asking for them to cut the corner and side swipe you.

 

On larger roundabouts, motorway or Park square for example, it's pretty much impossible to not either be passing or passed by someone, there are multiple lanes all moving at different speeds.

 

I would (and do) overtake here for example, knowing that there are 2 lanes to exit (going towards the parkway).

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.355495,-1.388155,3a,75y,354.76h,87.19t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s_FAynAohiO73MvvSl0H94A!2e0

 

Also here (very similar)

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.353714,-1.348232,3a,75y,232.49h,93.4t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sz5qKwgAm90ifxuLGZdRSnA!2e0

 

Less often here

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.355323,-1.328235,3a,75y,216.28h,74.58t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sOlcuLByRtN1uTc20PJ2DWg!2e0

And only if someone is particularly dawdling, as really I want to be past them on the 2 lane section before we enter the roundabout.

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With most vehicles travelling at the speed limit or more you would have to make that decision on safety first, progress second, after all a roundabout is a junction and should be treated as such.

 

If the roundabout has two entry lanes and two marked exit lanes then it is possible to complete safely if the vehicle you are overtaking is knowingly going to enter the roundabout more slowly like a tractor.

 

Overtaking similar powered vehicles is a risk and HGV's require room to manoeuvre the trailer.

 

If you do not know the roundabout then stay left as sometimes dual lane roundabouts exit into single lanes. On these single lane exits look out for prats that are trying to overtake you.

 

https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/roundabouts-184-to-190

http://www.rac.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?10717-When-to-use-the-right-hand-lane-on-a-roundabout

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I don't think most vehicles do travel at the speed limit. (A lot do, but there are a sizable minority that don't).

 

It's really common to find cars doing 50mph down the Crystal Peaks section of the A57 towards Coisley Hill roundabout, despite the NSL signs meaning it's a 60 limit for cars.

And on the previous section you rarely see anyone doing 70, but again it's NSL and dual carriageway, meaning 70mph for cars.

 

Edit - And I'm talking about in good conditions, not when it would be unsafe to do those speeds due to heavy rain or ice or something.

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Didn't realise we were talking about a duel carriageway. If there's 2 lanes, both going straight on, then I don't see a problem. However, if the right hand lane is for turning right only and you use it to overtake....you're a prat.

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Didn't realise we were talking about a duel carriageway. If there's 2 lanes, both going straight on, then I don't see a problem. However, if the right hand lane is for turning right only and you use it to overtake....you're a prat.

 

I don't think the OP said either way.

 

Reading it again, you might not even be going the same way when you exit, it could be an overtake on the roundabout where you turn right and they take the previous exit.

 

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.356352,-1.388697,3a,75y,179.02h,66.02t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sSSPTz0TLvAf_N2PTEpmChg!2e0

 

What about here, there's definitely a forward arrow in the right hand lane, but you have to be confident you can be quick to make use of that lane IMO as the two lane exit is only about 10 metres long!

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I don't see why you shouldn't.

 

As long as you aren't traveling excessively fast and as long as you can reach your exit safely.

 

The scenario i gave needs you to be travelling above normal speed in order to leave the roundabout before the car in the left hand lane had exited.

 

---------- Post added 13-08-2014 at 11:56 ----------

 

A two lane roundabout is as safe a place to pass as anywhere else. Any driver not checking blind spots before changing lanes is asking for trouble.

 

 

Nobody changed lanes whilst on the roundabout.

 

---------- Post added 13-08-2014 at 12:01 ----------

 

I don't think the OP said either way.

 

Reading it again, you might not even be going the same way when you exit, it could be an overtake on the roundabout where you turn right and they take the previous exit.

 

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.356352,-1.388697,3a,75y,179.02h,66.02t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sSSPTz0TLvAf_N2PTEpmChg!2e0

 

What about here, there's definitely a forward arrow in the right hand lane, but you have to be confident you can be quick to make use of that lane IMO as the two lane exit is only about 10 metres long!

 

My mistake. I should have said both cars are travelling in the same direction taking the same exit from the roundabout.

:)

 

---------- Post added 13-08-2014 at 12:01 ----------

 

Thanks for your replies guys, even the poster or two who didnt read my OP correctly :hihi:

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Too many people seem to take the "racing line" on roundabouts. Even if its wide enough for two cars they'll stray over into the second lane, rather than actually go slower and turn their steering wheel.

 

That is deeply annoying, although these people would do that even if both of you were just pottering along.

 

They're usually the same ones that don't indicate for their exit and/or are quite clearly on their phone :rant::rant::rant::rant:

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They're usually the same ones that don't indicate for their exit and/or are quite clearly on their phone :rant::rant::rant::rant:

 

In fairness, it is quite tricky to use a phone and indicators simultaneously:)

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