Roundabouts have been a key form of junction in the UK for many years. They are used on all classes of road in both urban and rural areas for the efficient and safe control of traffic, particularly where side road flows are high. Roundabouts are the most common type of control used at motorway intersections, and are heavily used throughout the UK's trunk and principal road network, as well as on local authority roads. Following a state-of-the-art review of international roundabout design, this paper reviews the research into accidents at roundabouts in the light of issues for the revised UK Geometric Design Standard. In order to meet the needs of modern roads, the revised Standard is likely to adopt a hierarchical approach, with different designs for roundabouts on rural and urban roads, the intention being to place much greater emphasis on the interests of vulnerable road users.
Abstract