READERS have challenged the view that a city roundabout is ‘lethal’ after damning comments made by an advanced driver, many saying it’s driver behaviour that’s the real problem.
We have previously reported how advanced driver Mike Kent criticised the layout of the Ketch roundabout in Worcester, calling it ‘confusing’, ‘dangerous’ and potentially ‘lethal’.
Mike Kent, chairman of the Worcestershire Group of Advanced Motorists, says the Ketch roundabout in Worcester is poorly designed, with unclear lane markings – and he does not believe traffic lights will help.
CRITICAL: Advanced driver Mike Kent has raised a series of concerns about the Ketch roundabout in Worcester but some readers believe the issue is drivers (Image: Supplied)
The Ketch roundabout lies on an arterial route, where the A4440 Southern Link Road in Worcester meets the A38, the main road between the city centre and Kempsey.
However, the roundabout has been dogged by safety concerns and has come under increasing scrutiny following a series of crashes.
However, many readers had no issue with the roundabout, blaming driver behaviour instead.
Roy Smith wrote on the Worcester News Facebook page: “If drivers indicated correctly at any roundabout there wouldn’t be any confusion.. would there?”
Sean Mcbride wrote: “How’s he advanced ? I’ve been driving trucks for 35 years and some heavy haulage and at 80ft long , there’s nothing wrong with the roundabout. It’s called a roundabout for a reason you go round it. It has four exits like any other. It’s drivers coming at it at speed and expecting to straight line it for the fastest exit – slow down , how can it be confusing ?! You always give way to the right end of.”
AFTERMATH: The crash on the Ketch roundabout involved a Toyota Hilux (Image: Newsquest)
Liza Nicol wrote on Worcester News: “It’s only lethal if you a) approach too fast and b) are in the wrong lanes.”
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Eleanor Dawson wrote: “I use this route every day for work for over 20 years and I’m confused as to what the issue is. I can only assume that due to congestion at peak times people take chances to pull out.”
Ross78 wrote on the Worcester News website: “It’s a roundabout like any other, I lived by it for six years following opening and used it most days, still go through it a lot to get to Powick. There’s nothing hazardous about it. It’s simply about awareness. If you’re nervous about using it, hand your licence in as you shouldn’t be on the road.”
K_Olie wrote: “This roundabout isn’t confusing; it’s a pain, and lane discipline is often shocking. The main issue is drivers going too fast along the link road, making it hard for drivers coming from Bath Road, both directions. Also, drivers coming from Kempsey towards St Peters using the middle lane to cut in rather than waiting in the single straight-over lane. Basically, the issue is people, newer cars accelerate significantly faster than older cars.”
