Video guide made for new 'Dutch-style' roundabout

A council has uploaded a tutorial video to show how people should use a new 'Dutch-style' roundabout, which prioritises cyclists and pedestrians.

The animated film shows cars, bicycles and lorries using the new junction in Hemel Hempstead, ahead of it opening on 2 June.

Hertfordshire County Council wants people planning to travel along Boundary Way in the Maylands area to watch the video, so it becomes familiar before it opens.

Mark Doran, executive director of growth and environment at the council, said: "Hemel residents are no strangers to an innovative roundabout, so we're pleased that work on Boundary Way is nearing completion, on time."

The town is already home to the 'Magic Roundabout', officially called the Plough Roundabout, where traffic from six routes meets at an interchange at the end of the town centre.

"We're keen to support our residents in becoming familiar with the layout so that everyday journeys are as smooth and safe as possible," Mr Doran added.

The project has been funded by Active Travel England and it is believed to be the first of its kind in Hertfordshire.

The roundabouts have been popularised in the cycle-friendly streets of the Netherlands.

The first one in the UK was constructed in Cambridge in 2020. However, figures showed the roundabout had seen more collisions in the three years since it was built compared to its predecessor over the previous three years.

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