Sollershott Circus 1905
The first modern 'Roundabout' was built in Letchworth Hertfordshire in 1905 and called Sollershott Circus.
Contents Sollershott Circus 1905 Letchworth Garden City Traffic Circles Roundabout Pro's They're Green Links
Letchworth Garden City
Traffic Circles
With a 'traffic circle' the vehicles approaching have priority.
Traffic circles were not very popular with motorists and authorities have turned to traffic lights because of the high accident rate associated with them.
- In 1926 the UK Ministry of Transport (circular 302) officially used the term 'Roundabout'.
- In 1950s the priority rule was changed.
- Now entering traffic gives way to circulating traffic.
- Officially adopted in 1966.
Modern roundabouts start to spread around the world. Sweden – 1967 Norway, Denmark – 1970s France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland – 1980s Australia – 1980s US – 1990.
Roundabout Pro's
A true roundabout is as near to maintenance free as you can get. No traffic light bulbs to replace or traffic chaos when there is a power cut.
New research in America has shown that where a roundabout has been installed, savings of up to 40% on fuel can be saved, due to the fact the traffic is flowing more freely.
Pennsylvania Transport Department has shown that roundabouts result in 90% reduction in fatalities, 76% reduction in injuries and 35% reduction in all crashes. When there is a collision on a roundabout they tend to be sideswipes as opposed to a head on crash. You can always shoot a red light, well designed roundabouts slow the traffic reducing impact.
They're Green
Roundabouts have become havens for wildlife. Isolated by busy traffic, animals are protected from predators and people rarely venture onto them. Wild life can thrive as in the 'Rabbit Roundabout' in Gloucester.
Links
Sollershott Circus was used in the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, directed by Edgar Wright, ‘The World’s End’.
