You Should Never Do These Things in Hamilton’s Roundabouts

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News | Traffic |

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Published October 4, 2019 at 2:07 pm

Round and round we go but do we really know what we’re doing?

Round and round we go but do we really know what we’re doing?

Roundabouts seem to be popping up in more and more places and if you find yourself a little panicked when approaching one, you’re not alone. This new-fangled traffic-calming measure is a little intimidating.

Earlier this week, the city of Hamilton launched a month-long initiative aimed at teaching road users the rules of the roundabout.

Here are are few things, you might be surprised to learn, that you’re never supposed to do in a roundabout:

  • Pull over (even for emergency vehicles) – if you have yet to enter the roundabout, pull over to the right when it is safe to do so. If you’re in the roundabout, take your intended exit and pull over to the right when it’s safe;
  • Never pass another vehicle in a roundabout;
  • If you’re a pedestrian, never cross using the roundabout’s central island.

These roundabout no-nos fall under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and could earn you a ticket worth $80 and up.

If you’re caught driving in the wrong direction in a roundabout, you can be fined under city bylaw, according to traffic specialist Claus Wagner.

The ‘Roundabout Safety’ campaign is part of the worldwide Vision Zero initiative that aims for safer streets through improved education, enforcement, engineering, evaluation and engagement.

City of Hamilton

“Roundabouts are an excellent approach to road safety when motorists are well versed on the rules of the road, said Claus Wagner, Traffic Safety officer for Hamilton Police Services. “Residents are reminded to always signal their intentions when entering and exiting the roundabout.”

Drivers must also yield to pedestrians, cyclists and any traffic already travelling through the roundabout and choose the correct lane which corresponds to the intended exit.

Roundabouts are touted as being more environmentally friendly than traditional intersections with light controls and stop signs because they reduce idling and fuel consumption.

They’re also seen as an effective safety tool as traffic is forced to slow down and they are said to be more efficient at moving higher volumes of traffic.

To learn more about roundabouts, visit the City of Hamilton’s website.

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