A NEW £2 million roundabout has a three-minute-long video explaining how to use it – can you figure it out?
The Dutch-style roundabout in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, is set to welcome motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on June 6.
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But the controversial project, which prioritises cyclists, has been slammed by locals.
It comes after plans for the UK’s first Dutch-style roundabout were originally blasted by drivers, who called it a cyclist “killing zone”.
Cyclists have an outer ring on the new roundabout, with cycle crossings over each of the four approach roads in a contrasting red surface.
It also features zebra crossings over each approach road for pedestrians.
Motorists must also give way to pedestrians and to cyclists when joining and leaving the roundabout.
Reduced lane widths on the roundabout and at exit and entry points are designed to encourage drivers to slow down.
As reported by the Telegraph, the upcoming Hemel Hamstead has been dubbed Britain’s “most woke” roundabout.
In light of a new three-minute video released by Hertfordshire county council, to explain the system, residents have branded it “complicated” and “confusing”.
The tutorial reveals how cyclists must give way to pedestrians and “keep attentive” for cars – despite having priority on a separate cycle track.
Cars and lorries must also give way to both cyclists and pedestrians when joining or leaving the roundabout.
One fuming nearby resident commented: “For cyclists heading to, or coming off of, the M1, this is money well spent.”
Another added: “That’s going to be carnage at rush hour. Literally eyes needed everywhere.
“Assuming anyone uses it. I don’t like the idea of braking when exiting the roundabout to give way to pedestrians.”
Others claimed it was a “disaster waiting to happen” and highlighted a similar roundabout in Cambridge that opened in 2020.
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It is one of only three Dutch-style roundabouts in the UK, with two others located in Sheffield and Chichester.
A scathing local said: “There was a perfectly usable roundabout already there. Now they’ve pimped it up at great cost – what a joke.”
The roundabout was funded by Active Travel England, the Government’s executive agency for promoting walking, wheeling and cycling.
Mark Doran, executive director of growth and environment at the council, added: “Hemel residents are no strangers to an innovative roundabout, so we’re pleased that work on Boundary Way is nearing completion, on time.
“We’re keen to support our residents in becoming familiar with the layout so that everyday journeys are as smooth and safe as possible.”
This comes after we reported how the UK’s first Dutch-style roundabout had increased the number of accidents, according to figures.
Ten crashes – three serious – were reported across three years after the £2.3 million Fendon Road roundabout was installed in 2020.
The accidents involved eight cyclists and two pedestrians being struck by a car, according to figures obtained by the BBC.
That’s six more than the four minor accidents recorded in the three years before the Cambridge layout was wheeled out.
The system gives priority to cyclists thanks to a bright red outer ring lane and gives bikes their own level crossings.
Motorists must wait for cyclists – and pedestrians – to enter and exit before manoeuvring around the roundabout.
It means vehicles are made to give way twice while travelling through the pedal-friendly system.
The roundabout was popularised in the bike-loving Netherlands and came about in Cambridge after locals demanded better cycle and pedestrian facilities.
But within a few days of its opening in 2020, it had to close temporarily after a hit-and-run driver crashed into a zebra crossing beacon.
And to this day, the system still divides opinion.
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