Roundabout markings lead to drivers entering in wrong direction amid calls for new signs

Hull City Council is set to provide new road signs in the area of the Barnes Way roundabout following resurfacing works carried out last month.

Kingswood’s Cllr Charles Quinn and Cllr Mark Bisbey said on Facebook they had taken the issue up with the council’s highways department which said the markings followed national guidance.

A council spokesperson said: “The road markings are compliant with national design standards and we will soon be providing road signs for the area.”

The markings were repainted on the roundabout during works which saw roads repaired to make them safe for drivers to travel on.

Council Transport Portfolio Holder Cllr Mark Ieronimo said the road was in a very poor condition and works would make it future-proof.

But the Kingswood ward councillors said the new markings were being misread.

They added the correct way to read them was left turn only in the left lane and straight over and right in the centre and right lanes.

Councillors Quinn and Bisbey said: “We appreciate the new markings on the expanded Barnes Way roundabout are causing a lot of debate and confusion.

“The markings are correct from the Council’s point of view and follow the guidance given to councils by the Department for Transport which is to avoid right directional arrows and instead have straight arrows.

“This is due to right arrows being misread and drivers entering the roundabout in the wrong direction into oncoming traffic.

“Personally we would agree that the right lane should be indicated as right only and the centre lane as straight over or right.

“But the council simply won’t agree to this and unfortunately it’s not an area where ward councillors can overrule council highways officers.

“We will continue to ask the question of highways officers to see if something can be done to make it clearer and keep the community updated.”

Local road users had their say on the councillors’ Facebook post.

Jack Crane said: “If people think you can turn right on a roundabout into possible oncoming traffic then I suggest those people probably shouldn’t be driving.”

Julie Galloway said: “I have seen two near misses of cars leaving the roundabout after following the right hand straight on arrow to head to the David Lloyd gym.

“Luckily all cars were driving at sensible speeds.”

Richard Barwick said: “If only common sense would prevail, literally a bit of extra paint on the road and the problem would be solved.”

Kristian Stork said: “Next on the agenda: The Kingswood Academy roundabout (Bude Road-Wawne Road).

“If the Barnes Way roundabout thing they have it bad, you should try this one in the morning.”

Janet Strong said: “I wonder how insurance companies are going to sort this one out?

“Two lanes with exactly the same two options is a wonder to behold, someone in the right had lane goes straight on whilst someone in the middle lane turns right at the same time, who’s at fault?”

Magda Lena said: “There should be road markings on the roundabout itself to position drivers in the correct lanes.

“Therefore the right arrow should be used in the right lane on the roundabout and straight and right arrow on the outside lane on the roundabout.”

Mark Padgett said: “Whatever the debate about the arrows, it’s actually helped reduce congestion in the morning.”