We are working hard to come up with innovative solutions to increased traffic demands in the County of Brant. One of these solutions is the introduction of roundabouts in certain areas. Roundabouts have a number of benefits over traditional intersections, including:
- Safety: lower speeds and fewer points of conflict between vehicles reduces the potential for serious crashes and injury
- Lower speeds: unlike at a green light at an intersection, vehicles need to slow down to use a roundabout, reducing the likelihood of a serious crash
- Higher capacity: a high volume of vehicles turning left is handled better by a roundabout than by a left-turn signal at a traditional intersection
- Fewer stops and shorter delays: yielding at the entry of a roundabout takes less time than waiting for a green light at an intersection or for a gap in traffic at a stop sign
- Less idling and air pollution: fewer delays reduces fuel consumption and improves air quality by reducing emissions
- Lower maintenance costs: roundabouts eliminate maintenance and electricity costs associated with traffic signals
- Aesthetically pleasing: there is an opportunity for landscaping within the central island of a roundabout
With the help of the Ministry of Transportation, we've put a video series and list together of some helpful tips to help get you moving smoothly through a roundabout.*
Approaching the roundabout |
When you approach the roundabout:
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Driving in the roundabout |
When you're in the roundabout:
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Leaving the roundabout |
To exit the roundabout:
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Emergency vehicles |
If you are still outside the roundabout: Pull over to the right, if you can do so safely. Let the emergency vehicle pass you before you enter. If you are inside the roundabout already: Drive around to your intended exit. Leave the roundabout completely before you pull over to the right. Then let the emergency vehicle pass you. |
Large vehicles |
Large vehicles may need to use more than one lane when they enter, drive through and exit a roundabout. Within the roundabout, they may also need to use the truck apron. Give large vehicles plenty of room to navigate. |
Pedestrians |
Roundabouts are generally safer for pedestrians than traditional intersections. Follow these tips to cross a roundabout safely:
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Visually impaired pedestrians |
There is no traffic signal to control the traffic moving through a roundabout. This can make it hard to spot gaps in the traffic where you can cross safely. If you can, ask someone to help you. |
Cyclists |
If you're an experienced cyclist, you can move through the roundabout the same way you would in a vehicle:
New cyclists should get off their bicycles and cross the roundabout as pedestrians. |
Why is there a fence on the centre island of the Roundabout on Rest Acres Road? |
A fence was installed on the centre island of the roundabout to help limit visibility across the middle of the roundabout. This practice is normally achieved with landscaping and may include planting trees and bushes on the centre island. Landscaping on the centre island encourages motorists and cyclists to focus on the flow of traffic to their left and helps to slow traffic in general. Landscaping on the centre island is expected to be completed in 2019. |
*Information provided by the Ministry of Transportation; http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/ontario-511/roundabouts.shtml
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