Roundabouts

Drivers

• Traffic within the roundabout has the right of way. Traffic entering the roundabout must yield to traffic within the roundabout.
• Once you are in the roundabout keep to the right and travel in a counterclockwise direction to your exit.
• Do not stop in the roundabout, you have the right of way.  Motorists should only stop in the roundabout to avoid a collision.

Watch the How to Use a Roundabout video from our friends at the County of Brant to learn more.

Pedestrians

• Pay attention when crossing the road.
• Step to the curb and point your finger across the crosswalk to indicate to drivers that you plan to cross.
• Use good body language - make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
• Look and listen - wait for a safe gap in traffic so the oncoming traffic can safely yield.
• Do not cross in the middle of the roundabout. Always use the sidewalks and crosswalks around the outside of the roundabout.
• Cross one lane of traffic at a time. Wait in the splitter island until a gap is available to cross safely.

Watch the How to Use a Roundabout (Pedestrians and Cyclists) video from our friends at the County of Brant to learn more.

Cyclists

If you're an experienced cyclist, you can move through the roundabout the same way you would in a vehicle:

• Merge into the centre of the vehicle lane before the bike lane or shoulder ends
• Stay in the middle of the lane to avoid collisions with other vehicles exiting to the right

New cyclists should get off their bicycles and cross the roundabout as pedestrians.

Watch the How to Use a Roundabout (Pedestrians and Cyclists) video from our friends at the County of Brant to learn more.

Large and oversized vehicles

Please give large vehicles plenty of room to navigate around the roundabout. Depending on the size of the vehicle, they may need to use the truck apron area in the centre of the roundabout.

It is important to note that while the roundabouts in Lambton County are built to accommodate large vehicles, there are some limitations. Extremely long vehicles and those with low ground clearance may have difficulty navigating these roundabouts.

These oversized and/or overweight loads are subject to rules and permissions on County roadways, and may require a permit. Learn more about these requirements on our Oversized and Overweight Permits page. 

Are roundabouts better for the environment?

Roundabout use creates less vehicle emissions since motorists have shorter delays.

Vehicles approach the roundabout at a slow pace and yield to oncoming traffic rather than completely stopping and idling at a traffic signal-controlled intersection.

How do I signal at a roundabout?

Lambton's installations are single-lane roundabouts, making signaling and lane positioning straightforward. Simply signal right.

For example:

• When taking the first exit (turning right), signal right, keep to the right in the roundabout and continue signaling right to leave.
• When taking the second exit (going straight through), signal right after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take and exit from the lane in which you are travelling.

When taking the last exit (turning left) or going full circle (U-turn), signal right after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take and exit from the lane in which you are travelling.

What do I do if an emergency vehicle comes through the roundabout?

Do not stop inside the roundabout. Stopping in the roundabout will block emergency responders. If you have not yet entered the roundabout, pull to the right, and let the emergency vehicle pass you. If you are in the roundabout, exit as normal, then pull to the right as soon as possible and let the emergency vehicle pass you.

Why can't I see through the centre of a roundabout?

The County wants to limit visibility across the middle of the roundabout.  This practice is normally achieved with landscaping and may include planting trees and bushes on the centre island. Landscaping on the centre island encourages motorists and cyclists to focus on the flow of traffic to their left and helps to slow traffic in general.

Why not install traffic signals?

Once accident and user costs are calculated, the installation of traffic signals would be much more costly over time than the construction of a roundabout. Roundabouts also improve the safety and environmental issues related to traffic signal intersections.

Will large trucks fit?

Yes, the roundabout will fit large trucks. The concrete apron around the centre island accommodates the larger turning radius of these vehicles, giving large vehicles plenty of room to navigate.

Please give large vehicles plenty of room to navigate as they move the roundabout.