Latest news with #stressfuljunctions
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Magic Roundabout ranked as one of UK's most stressful junctions
The Magic Roundabout in Swindon has been ranked as one of the UK's most 'stressful' junctions. A new survey of 1,000 drivers found that the iconic landmark placed second, just below the Hanger Lane Gyratory in London. For more than 50 years, the unusual layout - which arranges five mini-roundabouts in circle around a central island - has fascinated and confused people who are unfamiliar with Swindon's roads network, particularly as it is possible to navigate that central island in an anti-clockwise direction. The survey, by the Scrap Car Comparison website, is based on how drivers felt when shown one street view perspective and one satellite image of various junctions and roundabouts. These motorists were then asked to rate from on a scale of one to 10 how much confusion, fear, anxiety and confidence they felt at the thought of driving through it. The Magic Roundabout scored 42, which placed it above Norwich's Cromer Road & Boundary Road Junction, The Crooked Billet Interchange in Waltham Forest, and Ynysforgan Roundabout in Swansea. Recommended reading: Eager shoppers queue up as new Designer Outlet store opens Town centre Poundland closed and boarded up Health warning made more severe as Wiltshire hit with 30C heat Customer service manager Matt Clamp said: 'Driving through unfamiliar junctions can rattle even the most experienced motorists. 'Our advice? Start by planning ahead, tools such as Street View or route planners can help you visualise the road before you set off. 'Try to get into the correct lane early by watching for signs and markings. 'Don't let other road users rush you - it's perfectly okay to go at your own pace. 'Always signal clearly and confidently to show your intentions, especially if you need to change lanes. 'Consider driving at quieter times of day when the roads are less busy. A little preparation can go a long way in turning a potentially stressful drive into a safe and confident journey.' The Magic Roundabout may seem bewildering at first glance but it is easier to navigate than it looks. It recently won the honour of Roundabout of the Year, with the awards body describing it as a 'terrific traffic-island system'. Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet member for transport, said: 'The Magic Roundabout is a proud part of Swindon's history and we wouldn't have it any other way. 'We know it can be intimidating for some, but if drivers take it slow and steady then it can be easily navigated. 'While accidents might happen, this isn't inherently to do with the roundabout itself and it is very safe. 'If drivers are still nervous, there's always the tried and tested method of just driving round the outside.'
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Map reveals UK's 10 most stressful junctions including a high-accident intersection & infamous ‘Magic Roundabout'
The UK's most stressful junctions have been ranked and rated - each infamous for causing numerous problems for motorists. Scrap Car Comparison recently surveyed 1,000 UK drivers and asked them to rank road layouts based on feelings of confusion, anxiety, fear and confidence. 3 3 3 These responses were then used to build a unique 'Stress Score' out of 100 - helping reveal the road layouts that most vehicle owners would rather avoid. London's mind-boggling Hanger Lane Gyratory came on top as the most stressful to navigate. The gyratory - which is essentially a large, circular intersection - is located in the north of the Ealing borough in West London and serves as a major junction where the A40 (Western Avenue) and the A406 (North Circular Road) intersect, with the A40 passing underneath in a tunnel. It also connects to Ealing Road towards Wembley. Outrageously complex, the confusing layout boasts a high accident rate and often causes a bottleneck for traffic At peak times, it's known to take on some 10,000 vehicles per hour - making it not only very busy but also quite intimidating. The infamous Magic Roundabout in Swindon followed closely behind in second place. A multi-mini roundabout system, the roundabout - which gets its name from the popular British children's television show, "The Magic Roundabout" - is made up of five mini roundabouts arranged in a circle around a central island. Though the mini roundabouts are all driven in a standard clockwise movement, it is possible to navigate the central island in an anticlockwise direction. But despite being wildly confusing, the Magic Roundabout boasts a surprisingly good safety record - with only 14 serious accidents and approximately 100 minor incidents over the last 25 years. UK's top 10 most stressful junctions Hanger Lane Gyratory - London (Stress Score: 44/100) Magic Roundabout - Swindon (Stress Score: 42/100) Cromer Road & Boundary Road Junction - Norwich (Stress Score: 40/100) The Crooked Billet Interchange - Waltham Forest (Stress Score: 38/100) Ynysforgan Roundabout - Swansea (Stress Score: 38/100) Black Cat Roundabout - Bedfordshire (Stress Score: 38/100) Larne Road Roundabout - Ballymena (Stress Score: 36/100) Shalesmoor & Netherthorpe Road Roundabout - Sheffield (Stress Score: 36/100) Springwell Road & Queen Alexandra Road Junction - Sunderland (Stress Score: 35/100) Sheriffhall Roundabout - Edinburgh (Stress Score: 35/100) TRAVELLING PAINS Scrap Car Comparison not only ranked the most stressful junctions in the UK but also created a global leaderboard, ranking some of the world's most anxiety-inducing intersections. For globe-trotting drivers, it might be best to avoid the Meskel Square Roundabout in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which picked up a Stress Score of 56 out of100. Meskel Square lacks basic road markings and formal traffic control, relying instead on driver intuition… and honking. Despite appearances, it's functional for locals but is known for being deeply unnerving for outsiders. The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles, a towering 8-level highway structure, came in close behind in second place with a score of 51/100. This score was matched by Paris' Arc de Triomphe roundabout, known for its 12 converging avenues and reversed right-of-way rules. Indeed, Europe features heavily in the rankings - with five of the top ten most stressful junctions located across the continent - with Paris, Rome, Madrid and London all making the list. Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, said: 'Driving through unfamiliar junctions can rattle even the most experienced motorists. 'Junctions often combine high traffic volumes, poor signage and confusing layouts, making preparation essential. 'Our advice? Start by planning ahead, tools such as Street View or route planners can help you visualise the road before you set off. 'Once you're behind the wheel, try to get into the correct lane early by watching for signs and markings. 'If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a breath and don't let other road users rush you - it's perfectly okay to go at your own pace. 'Always signal clearly and confidently to show your intentions, especially if you need to change lanes. 'And if you're really nervous, consider driving at quieter times of day when the roads are less busy. 'A little preparation can go a long way in turning a potentially stressful drive into a safe and confident journey.'
