Status unknown
Sign indicates what lane to be in but doesn't match up to the road layout.
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 4008513.
The two informative signs for which lane to be in are causing issues and a danger when following these on the roundabout from Easton Lane, Winchester. This is an issue that has been around for some time now and also why driving tests no longer use this route. I have seen multiple accidents occur here and I myself have had many near misses trying to follow what the signs are telling me I should do. The issue is that the right-hand lane of Easton Lane says it's for A272, A31 & M3(S). The left lane splits into two with the middle lane being for M3(N) and the left for A34, A303 & A30. When transitioning around the roundabout everyone in the left lane for A34 goes left. The people in the middle lane don't seem to have enough room to then move into the left lane of the next set of lights where the A34 joins the roundabout and they then go into the middle lane which is where you are supposed to be if you want to travel to A31, A272. There are no clear road marking on the roundabout to help assist anyone with this. A solution could be simple and to change the Easton Lane line layout and adjust the signage to suit. The left lane solely supplies traffic to the A34, A303 and A30. The right lane then splits into 2 where currently the left lane does with the middle lane being used for M3(N), A31 & A272 and the right lane being used for M3(S). Then road markings wouldn't be needed on the roundabout as people wouldn't be jostling for position in the "correct" lane. I know Hampshire County Council are responsible for Easton Lane however the signage is yours and a bit of collaboration would sort this issue on this junction out fairly easily. Many thanks.
Updates
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Thank you for your report concerning two lane dedication signs at Easton Lane approaching M3 Junction 9 roundabout are causing issues and dangerous lane changing manoeuvre on roundabout straight after Easton Lane entry onto the roundabout.
The current lane designations were based on the traffic model produced for the previous M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme which maximised the throughput of the junction given the amount of traffic using it and the directions they wished to take. I can confirm that the road markings and signs are correct for the approach to the J9 roundabout from Easton Lane using three lanes. The markings round the roundabout are correct for a roundabout using concentric road markings with route numbers placed within the lanes to identify the correct lane to be in between the roundabout exits. The current lane discipline issue could be down to drivers’ behaviour but this is explained within the Highway Code and that drivers should follow the signs and road markings where they are used at a junction. In this instance at the entrance to the roundabout the nearside lane is for the A34, the middle lane is for the M3 North and the off side lane for the A31, A272 and M3 South. This is shown on the signs and road markings. Drivers who are not using the lanes in accordance with the signs and road markings may find themselves open to prosecution and liability.
We’re aware of this. At present, there is a major M3 Junction 9 Improvement Scheme, where you can find the scheme details at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/ our-roads/ south-east/ m3-junction-9-improvements/ . The scheme will investigate improvements to this junction with the aim of reducing the congestion and ensuring more freedom of movement between the connecting roads. This project forms part of the Roads Investment Strategy and will look at all aspects of the junction. Should you wish to know more about the scheme, please email M3Junction9Improvements@nationalhighways.co.uk
Kind regards
National Highways
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I agree with this matter, the reason i'm here is at the same section from coming round the roundabout and wanting to exit to the A34. Traffic from the EASTON LANE is always jumping the red light or the next set of lights needs to give a little more time to stop all the cars backing up across the road. Wen the lights change again and EASTON traffic is permitted once again, they filter in front of the cars waiting to exit still to the A34. Mass arguments and near misses. Please review the traffic light times.
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