[ad_1]
A colossal roundabout located in Swindon, UK, is dividing the opinion of motorists and is even driving some around the bend.
Named the Magic Roundabout, the notoriously complicated Wiltshire junction was opened in 1972 and has become somewhat of an attraction.
The designer decided one roundabout wasn’t enough, instead installing five mini roundabouts arranged around a sixth main anticlockwise roundabout.
For some, it’s a hellish experience they avoid like the plague, while others have come to view it as a masterpiece of design.
Naysayers complain it’s dangerous and confusing with too many obstacles, landing it the label of the UK’s “most hated roundabout” by The Sun.
“We hear about accidents, and the reason is the cars go too fast, resident Wendy Lee told the publication.
“A lot of people don’t understand what way to go and don’t know what they’re doing,”
In a recent post on Facebook, the debate over the roundabout continued. A woman from Shrewsbury, approximately two-and-a-half hours drive from the roundabout, shared an image of it to the Google Earth, Structures and Anomalies group and said: “The Brits outdid themselves with this one. It’s a traffic circle in Swindon.
“To get across it you quite simply say a prayer at the entrance, try not to hit anything midway. Another prayer to get out. I have got across eventually. I am one of the chosen.”
Commenters were split on whether or not the roundabout is a nightmare or pure genius.
One driver wrote: “I’m a Brit and that roundabout makes me want to cry, I wouldn’t even attempt it.”
Another said: “That is a death trap lol I moved to the area seven years ago, without knowing where I’m going, following satnav ended there. It was raining and I couldn’t even see where the bloody little ones are nor how to get across. Road marking and lines are non existent. Been just handful of times after. Seven years later I still check the satnav and make sure I don’t end up there.”
A third commented to a friend tagged in the post: “I still have nightmares about this and your brand new car”.
While a fourth recalled their terrifying experience navigating the roundabout: “I just put my foot down and hoped for the best, horns beeping left right and centre, done it once never again lol I will re-route and let the sat nav find me an alternative route.”
Others wrote; “what the f**k is that, hell no, we’re going a different way”, “I can’t believe it was ever agreed” and “it just looks scary”.
However, there are some locals who love it, while others argue it just takes a bit of getting used to. One gushing resident wrote: “Lived in Swindon all my life and this roundabout is fabulous, I recall when it was first constructed, loved the way it kept the traffic moving so much better. Although traffic volume has increased since then, it still works brilliantly. We could do with others like it here in certain places.”
“Was just about to say if your not from Swindon and happen to find yourself on it, it’s a bit of a shock (sic),” another said. “I did what the original post said and did a prayer. I’m much better at it now but still absolutely insane.”
Some even had advice for the newbies attempting to take it on.
“Clockwise round the mini roundabouts on the outside and anticlockwise around the big one in the middle,” one commenter advised. “Always give way to the right and if there is traffic one way you can go the other way lol. Makes sense when you drive over it daily but to newcomers it’s a death trap!”
Another wrote: “I have lived near Hemel all my life and this was really daunting when I first passed my test in 1984, but you soon get used to it when you use it regularly. You can usual (sic) tell the people who aren’t local, they get confused which lane to use.”
Others also shared images of daunting roundabouts from other locations.
“This is Hemel Hempstead’s ‘magic’ roundabout,” one posted. “Similarly crazy.”
“Not forgetting the French,” chimed in another, sharing an image of the Arc de Triomphe.
The UK’s Magic Roundabout was designed by engineer Frank Blackmore, of the British Transport and Road Research Laboratory, and was one of the most cost-effective junction designs ever.
[ad_2]
