Information on Roundabouts

What is a Roundabout?

A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection without traffic signal equipment in which traffic flows around a center island. Roundabouts are safe, efficient and less costly.

Benefits of a Roundabout

• Reduction in fatalities.
• Reduction in injury and severity of crashes.
• Reduction in pedestrian crashes.
• Fewer conflict points than four way intersections.
• Slower vehicle speeds (20Km/h to 35Km/h).
• Drivers have more time to judge and react to other cars or pedestrians.
• Reduced need for storage lanes.
• Efficient traffic flow.
• Increase in traffic capacity.
• Reduction in pollution and fuel use.
• Improved traffic flow for intersections that handle left turns.
• No signal equipment to install and repair.
• Traffic calming.
• Aesthetic landscaping.
• Savings estimated at an average of $5,000 per year in electricity and maintenance costs.
• Service life of a roundabout is 25 years (vs. the 10-year service life of signal equipment).

How to navigate a Roundabout

Cars

Approach and entry

• When approaching a roundabout, slow down and be prepared to yield. Beware of pedestrians in the crosswalk and bicyclists, and be prepared to stop “only if” necessary.
• Look to the left and check for approaching traffic in the circulating roadway, which has the right of way.
• Pull up to the Yield Line and wait for a gap in the circulating traffic, or enter if there is an adequate gap in traffic.

Exiting a roundabout

• Once you have entered the roundabout, proceed counter-clockwise to your exit point. You now have the right of way.
• As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal, and watch for pedestrians and bicyclist as you exit.

Pedestrians

• Walk on the sidewalk at all times.
• Cross only at the designated crosswalks.
• Never cross the circular roadway to the central island.
• Look in the direction of the oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap before entering the crosswalk.
• Proceed to the splitter island. Look in the direction of oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap before proceeding to cross.

Trucks

To negotiate a roundabout in a truck, you may need to use more than one lane width, including parts of the mountable aprons. Be mindful of the location of all other users of the roundabout and prior to entering the roundabout signal your intentions well in advance.

Roundabout locations in Ajax

Brochures on Roundabouts

Brochure 1: Town of Ajax
Brochure 2: Ourston Roundabouts Canada

Articles on Roundabouts

September 25, 2007: City taking look at traffic circles, by Paul Moloney (Toronto Star)
August 9, 2007: Merry-go-round, from The Economist print edition (Economist.com)

If you have any further questions or concerns relating to roundabouts, please contact:

Juan Rojas, P.Eng
Capital Projects Coordinator
Planning & Development Services, Town of Ajax
Phone: 905-619-2529, ext. 239
E-mail: juan.rojas@townofajax.com