Dear editor,
If I may add some facts to the discussion about roundabouts, may I suggest that those who say “Roundabouts in high-traffic areas don’t work” supply some proof to back up their statements.
I would suggest that naysayers, if they are able, should travel on the M6 motorway in England. At almost all exits one encounters a roundabout, usually of two lanes, which then direct off-ramp traffic north, south, east or west onto lesser roads.
Driving up the M6 to Wolverhampton, which I’ve done twice for example, you will encounter several multi-lane roundabouts with as many as five or six exits. British traffic is far more intense than at Ryan and Lerwick.
Also, the Brits create roundabouts at small crossroads by the simple expedient of painting a six-foot diameter circle in the centre of the road, along with pause lines and signage.
No sand-filled oil drum in the middle either. And, no four-way stop signs like the traffic chokers in Comox.
I would suggest that City traffic engineers get on the Internet and study Britain’s road system.
Norm Blondel,
Comox Valley