THE NEW DUTCH GUIDELINES ON ROUNDABOUTS

In the Netherlands, as in many countries, roundabouts have provided an indispensable solution to traffic intersections for years. This is not without good reason, as roundabouts are an exceedingly safe form of traffic intersection. In 1998 in the Netherlands new guidelines were presented to gain more uniform layout design of individual roundabouts together with the various design elements included at such roundabouts. The right of way situation prevalent at roundabouts should be made clear by means of traffic signs, but this should be further reinforced by a design that is unmistakable to all road users together with a conspicuously clear layout and standard recognizable equipment used on roundabouts. The Dutch guidelines on roundabouts include concrete recommendations to this end. Roundabouts are one of the measures of the National Safety Policy in the Netherlands.