Why do road markings sometimes contradict the rules of the road?

**Timbuk2**

I was on holidays in the west of Ireland for the last week, and got plenty of driving practice in (over 600km) driving on motorways, cities, small roads, mountain roads etc.

However, I noticed that often road markings would contradict the rules of the road. For example, in Castlebar, a lot of the roundabouts I went through had the left lane marked for only turning left, and the right lane marked for straight through and turning right. I know that road markings take precedence, but it's confusing nonetheless, even moreso when there are queues of traffic leading up to the roundabout, blocking the road markings.

Why is this? I don't see the point of it, especially related to roundabouts, and it's no wonder people are confused about roundabouts. Leaving only the left lane for left turns doesn't make a lot of sense, as therefore traffic going straight through, turning right, or turning back the way they came all have to queue up in the one lane, whereas there is a whole lane dedicated to only turning left.

Oddly enough I have never seen a roundabout where you go straight through in the right-hand lane in Louth. They seem to be common in the West.

(Sorry for the stupid question )

sentient_6

Edit. I didnt see you already mentioned what i said(traffic blocking the road makings....)

NothingMan

It's hardly a stupid question just a stupid system. The rules don't really contradict because it does state unless otherwise marked, but there's been many times over the years when you're in a strange area and you can't see the road markings until your well stuck in the wrong lane.

Although at lease you know how to use a roundabout. The amount of drivers that go straight through a roundabout in the right lane and then wonder why you beep them when they almost crash into you is insane.

I'm all for refresher tests every 5 -10 years.

MascotDec85

You have to follow the rules unless the road markings dictate, there are roadworks or are directed by the Gardai.

There could be a road design or planning decision which affects particular rules to be altered/amended.

What it does is reinforce the need to remain vigilant for road signs and markings. Rules usually have certain exceptions

Alanstrainor

I suppose each junction is different, so it's very hard to come up with one rule that will work for all roundabouts. I mean it works for 90% of the time but there'll always be exceptions. The thing that always gets me, is often there is no signs to say that a roundabout does not conform to the standard, and you only realise when it's too late that you're in the wrong.

MascotDec85

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I suppose each junction is different, so it's very hard to come up with one rule that will work for all roundabouts. I mean it works for 90% of the time but there'll always be exceptions. The thing that always gets me, is often there is no signs to say that a roundabout does not conform to the standard, and you only realise when it's too late that you're in the wrong.

I'd imagine it'll boil down to expense. The road is marked so there shouldn't be a need to put up additional signage too, that'll be the train of thought anyway.

Viper_JB

The only reason I can think of is so that you can have 4 lanes, 6 exits and about 20 crashes a day on the round abouts.

daveharnett

Not stupid at all. Deviations from the norm are usually about traffic management, or unusual configurations.

For example, if the roundabout only has two exits (left and straight), it makes sense to have the left lane for left turn only, and the right lane for straight ahead. Otherwise, the second lane would be wasted.

I would agree that lane markings very often appear much too late. In a lot of cases, it seems to be down to bad planning more than anything else.

**Timbuk2**

Thanks for the answers. Sorry if I wasn't clear, but to me these roundabouts looked textbook, i.e. exits at 6, 9, 12, 3 o clock and all single carraigeway, and equal importance. I agree with the above, that the road markings appear too late. There was one roundabout where I was approaching in the left lane to go straight on (the approach lanes started about 100m back from the roundabout) and only realised at the roundabout I was in the left turning lane.

Mind you, I think lane markings are better than no lane markings, even if they deviate from the norm. There is a 3-lane roundabout in Dundalk (the Ballymac roundabout, at the Dundalk North M1 junction beside the racecoure) that has no lane markings, and it is utter chaos as most people (myself included) are not sure which lane to be in.

MascotDec85

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Thanks for the answers. Sorry if I wasn't clear, but to me these roundabouts looked textbook, i.e. exits at 6, 9, 12, 3 o clock and all single carraigeway, and equal importance. I agree with the above, that the road markings appear too late. There was one roundabout where I was approaching in the left lane to go straight on (the approach lanes started about 100m back from the roundabout) and only realised at the roundabout I was in the left turning lane.

Mind you, I think lane markings are better than no lane markings, even if they deviate from the norm. There is a 3-lane roundabout in Dundalk (the Ballymac roundabout, at the Dundalk North M1 junction beside the racecoure) that has no lane markings, and it is utter chaos as most people (myself included) are not sure which lane to be in.

I know the roundabout you mean. From memory there are 5 exits on that roundabout. Coming from the racecourse the 1st is onto the M1. 2nd is straight ahead over the bridge over the M1. 3rd is to the Newry old road. 4th is to Ballymac Hotel and 5th back to the racecourse.

So, M1 left lane
2nd exit over the M1 left lane.
3rd exit Newry middle lane
4th & 5th right lane

Think about why that would be the case and it should help you

**Timbuk2**

Thanks for that post MascotDec85 - you have no idea how helpful that is!

MascotDec85

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Thanks for that post MascotDec85 - you have no idea how helpful that is!

No worries at all.

concussion

If you're unsure and there is a lot of traffic blocking road markings, take the right lane; that way you can do a full lap before coming off at your desired exit

2yung2adm

The rules for roundabouts apply unless road markings dictate otherwise. Where there are but two exits it is helpful then that the inside lane is designated a left turn only as you then know you will not be cut off by a car squeezing inside you.
The big problem is signage. It is too late or only painted on the roadway and you cannot see it until too late when the truck ahead reveals the arrow on pulling away.
Roundabouts should be signed-other than on the road- 100 mtrs in advance.
I have always held that Irish Signage is for those who know where they are going.

D.a.v.i.d

In Mullingar there`s one of those roundabouts, left lane only goes to pennys car park. Straight through is a fairly minor road and same with going right. Maybe they planned it that way to ease traffic when everyone wants to go shopping! Don`t know if its the same kind of situation as the roundabout in Leitrim but thats my take on it...