Frustrated drivers across the UK have found an ingenious way to beat traffic jams by exploiting a rarely used roundabout rule – but road safety experts are sounding the alarm.
The trick involves using the outer lane of multi-lane roundabouts to bypass queues, effectively 'jumping' the traffic by circling around slower-moving vehicles. While technically legal in some circumstances, authorities warn this practice could create dangerous situations.
How the Roundabout Shortcut Works
On busy multi-lane roundabouts, drivers are discovering they can:
- Enter the roundabout in the outer (right-hand) lane
- Continue circling in this lane past their intended exit
- Complete a full loop and exit when their turn comes around again
This manoeuvre allows them to avoid being stuck behind vehicles waiting to exit at earlier junctions.
The Legal Grey Area
While not explicitly illegal, the Highway Code states that drivers should normally use the left-hand lane when going straight ahead at roundabouts. Police could potentially issue penalties for inconsiderate driving if the tactic causes disruption.
Motoring organisations emphasise that safety must come first. 'Cutting queues might save time, but not if it causes an accident,' warns one road safety campaigner.
Expert Warnings
Transport specialists highlight several risks:
- Other drivers may not expect vehicles to continue circling
- Increased lane-changing raises collision risks
- Could lead to congestion at different roundabout exits
For now, the debate continues – will this become an accepted driving technique, or will authorities move to close the loophole? One thing's certain: as traffic volumes grow, drivers are getting increasingly creative in their quest to beat the jams.
