Painted asphalt roundabouts have been implemented in some cities as a cost-effective solution for traffic management. However, this alternative is not without problems. Basically, they do not regulate traffic as they should.
In Gavà they have installed one of these roundabouts in the Can Torelló Sports Area. And the result has certainly not been what was initially expected. As can be seen in a video recorded and shared by user Pep Riera, practically no driver pays attention to him. The City Council has assured that they will review it and have pointed out that the work is not finished.
The main reason for this failure is that drivers often do not realize its existence, and act as if the roundabout simply does not exist. Although this is not the case at the moment, this phenomenon is aggravated by the tendency of road markings to wear quickly, making them practically invisible over time, especially in low light conditions or during adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog. .
The lack of a physical structure that delimits the roundabout also plays a crucial role in this problem. Traditional roundabouts, which have certain physical elements, are impossible to ignore and force drivers to adapt their driving intuitively.
However, when the only indication of a roundabout is paint on the asphalt, it is easy for drivers not to adjust their speed and trajectory to the traffic rules expected at these intersections. Therefore, they pass over it, the traffic remains disorderly and makes anyone who wants to turn take an unnecessary risk.