As a local, it tends to just be an absolute free for all. From what I can tell, there isn't many accidents as everyone is going slow enough to avoid them combined with a little common sense.
that must be the point - it's so confusing that nobody can possibly chance going fast Traffic Calming XTREME! It's very daring actually - for a town council to put in an extremely complicated set of mini roundabouts, and not expect carnage. But it seems to have worked. I still think this isn't the solution. Because mini-roundabouts wear out very quickly and require constant maintenance even in suburban environments with no heavy traffic. It's the same with the white/yellow lines - they fade away within a few years. And no council has the money to maintain the traffic calming monsters they create.
Nah, I would say the one in Paris (Place Charlles de Gaule Etoile) would be the final final boss. Even some Parisians avoid this roundabout (you can get away with not driving through it)!
As a local, I practiced the Magic Roundabout when learning and, honestly, it's not that bad. Everyone goes slow and are prepared for people around them to choose the wrong lane.
That’s how driving in arab countries is like (like jordan). It’s random, No rules, and chaos. However people go slow expect random cut offs and accidents are avoided
There is no room to manoeuvre if youre in the wrong lane. This is not simple bad road design. This is dreadful road design. Some people were drunk coming up with this
@@austinpowersfasjer if you saw it an action you'd actually see it works really well, it serves its purpose spectacularly. It just seems complicated at first.
I live in Swindon and to be honest I never actually learnt how to use the roundabout ( it’s not on the test route ), I just started using it randomly and it’s actually really easy and quite safe as cars do not tend to go over 5 mph. It just becomes very natural very quickly
I’m local (I moved to Swindon when I was 18 after I learned to drive in London). I met the man who designed this, it was principally for improved safety, no one is going very fast, there may be lots of little bumps (although I don’t see that many) but serious accidents are far rarer than the big old roundabout. It also flows very well and you can avoid the busy route by taking another option.
I came through this roundabout on my first day in the UK after moving from the US after an 8-hour flight and jet lagged and it was around 3pm..... easy to say I found out you can go anywhere by just staying on the outside. 🤣
Was thinking I’d do the exact same thing 😂. I live not too far from this and if I have to drive through it I would just treat it like a normal big roundabout and go round the outside to my exit
I passed my practical driving test 2 days ago at first attempt and with 3 minors only. I just want to say thank you for all you do for the industry. I don't know if you know just how much impact you're making and how safer our roads are by reason of these videos. Thank you.
Hey Richard, I just had my driving test yesterday for a manual license and passed with ease thanks to your videos! I found them absolutely essential and will definitely recommend them to any of my friends.
Yes, as per other locals, it is and always was easy. Before it was built it was one massive roundabout and the queues on a Saturday for footie were huge - and that was in the 1960s. Also Swindon is the home of the mini roundabout - loads of them and they all work well
I just passed my driving test in Swindon a month ago, and your videos were incredibly helpful! It’s great to watch how you approach this mad roundabout!
Great video and well done with the driving and the interpretation, but the less said about the pronunciation the better. I've driven across the Magic Roundabout almost every day for the last 40+ years. It's a work of genius, as anything else wouldn't cope with five major roads converging. The only difference between you and the locals is that we take more direct routes across it, as the shortest route is always the best/quickest. I've seen some weird things on it, including someone attempting a three-point turn in the middle, but there are very few accidents (and then only minor ones), and almost no road rage, because everyone drives slowly. The worst time to use it is when there's a football match on, and crazy pedestrians too lazy to use the crossings round the edge swarm across the middle of it instead.
Interesting that you as someone who has used the roundabout regularly finds that it is a good pice of roadwork. I commented asking what exactly are the benefits but thanks you gave me the answer I needed. Do you think then that a traditional style roundabout wouldnt deal with the same traffic?
It's not a roundabout, it's a 'contra-rotating traffic gyratory system'. This genius design avoids the problem of one dominant flow (rush hour) causing queues on the other entry points, as they would have to wait ages for a gap to join. And take chances. Which leads to traffic lights being installed which I find irritating.. Think of it as a river flow, disputed by rocks. Multiple routes - no obstruction. Road arrows are not great but they are only a guide, directions on road invisible when busy anyway. Just the divider lines would probably work as well. However, I love it, it does work - confident drivers no probs, scaredy ones just go slowly. Not sure how cyclists get on with it though. And it does need LOTS of space, so not easy to install many.
@@petrolhead88uk71 I'm not quite old enough to remember when it was a traditional roundabout, but I believe the traffic levels were already a problem when it was created in 1972, and so I would guess that it would struggle with today's much increased traffic. It's very rare that there's any delay on it - even at busy times. I think the fact that drivers are forced to slow down and negotiate each mini roundabout carefully helps with the flow and makes it safer. I actually drove across this on my driving test, but the test centre has since moved out of town, and so I don't think it features in many tests nowadays (if at all).
Been using this round a bout since it was built , and on my first driving lesson was taken across it, best round a bout ever , easy to use and as you approach you can navigate it by either going left, right or straight over to get to the exit you need. Moves thousands of cars a day with no issues 👍🏻
Thanks so much for your videos Richard, the amount of effort you put into them is outstanding. I passed my test last week and your videos helped me a great deal. I feel like I haven't just learned how to pass a test, but that I've learned to become a safe, considerate and knowledgeable driver - not least thanks to your excellent channel. I might not have my test coming up anymore, but I'll definitely keep tuning in! Cheers
It must be fun drive in this Magic Roundabout, because of the challenge that it offers. Fantastic video. I also like the camera's layout with those 3 little squares on top and a big rectangle down the screen, I think it takes the video immersion to the next level. Nice cam's layout. Thank you very much for this video Richard Instructor.
It really helps if you know where you’re going, but as a local, this is the best roundabout in Swindon because you can see what’s coming in all directions. This was lesson 2 when I learned how to drive. Swindon is full of roundabouts anyway so we’re totally used to them!
It doesn't matter which lane you end up in, depends how busy it is, just get into a lane and then indicate your next intention so everyone can make their next decision. I learned many years ago on this roundabout. Four lane exits lead to dual carriageways such as Drakes Way or Queens drive.
I watched this video for absolutely no reason about 3 months ago. Last week, we had to detour through Swindon and hit this roundabout - the wife had a mild panic attack in the passenger seat, but I tackled it calmly just like you did. Thank you SO much for this video in particular as I knew EXACTLY how to handle it as a result.
It's a great design when you understand it. You can get to your chosen road by going left or right around it depending how heavy the traffic is. It works well and there are rarely any accidents.
As a 22 year immigrant to the UK, not only do I love the town of Swindon, my adopted home town - Isambard Kingdom Brunel is one of my heroes, I also find the magic roundabout brilliant. It definitely beats the pants off the chaos at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The secret is to never look like you are going to yield right of way - so many people are uncertain, they will wait for you... carpe diem!
There are 2 methods to using this roundabout. There is the local route, which is drive through the middle. There is the tourist route, which is drive around the outside. I first used this on a bicycle. The biggest problem here is poor lane discipline. Finally, it is pronounced: Syrensester.
Depends where you're going. I avoid going through the middle at all costs, it always takes longer. I only go through the middle if going from town centre to Walcot or from gorsehill to old town. If not I go around the outside which is quicker.
Passed my driving today with only 4 minors. I kept watching all your videos and it's so insightful. Thank you so much!!! Clearview Driving Conquer Driving DGN Driving The best channels to learn driving!
Another local here. I learned when this was on the test routes. By the time I passed, the test centre had moved to West Swindon and most of my test was taken in housing estates and the rural roads to Cricklade. The only time it doesn’t work as well is rush hour, for the reason you showed. The same happened when we used it on Tuesday evening. Sat nav just tends to give up and tell you the name of the exit you need. It’s happened with 2 of our old units and with Google maps. The first time my driving instructor took me there, I realised where I was, saw the sign, said “you bastard” and shook with fear the whole way around. Now I don’t give it a second thought. It’s often much quicker to use than routes to popular places when avoiding it. I used to use it to get my daughter to college and back via Old Town through to West Swindon. The roundabout celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. As my husband said in the comments, it’s original name was the five counties roundabout, after the 5 counties Swindon borders. The reason the road markings are pathetic is probably because Swindon Borough Council are not famed for their planning or execution of the upkeep of the roads in our town. Lastly, the most intense experience of “magic” as the locals refer to it, for me was in a double decker bus going anti clockwise around the centre. Good fun, but intense!
I passed my test a little under a year ago. I live towards Oxford and got a job the opposite side of Swindon a couple of months after passing. The way I came in didn't usually use the magic roundabout but in my first week when the traffic was worse than usual the Sat-Nav told me to divert and I followed it and then realised it was taking me towards this. After lots of swearing I reached the roundabout peak rush hour and it was absolutely fine in the end! Honestly, it's not that bad at all. You just hear the urban legend of this roundabout and it seems so much worse than it turns out to be. Been over it a few times since and never had any issues.
You drove past my window a few times... could've stopped and said "Hi"! 😁 Great video! I was thinking of approaching a police person to ask what they think is the right way to use the Magic. From local's perspective I recon you've got the right idea at the end, although most of them are advising to "close your eyes & hope for the best!". And yes: lived next to Magic for 5 years sirens and horns are just a background noise! 😎👍
People overthink this roundabout, I drive over it every day and it's really not difficult. All you do is aim your car in the general direction that you want to go and accelerate. If you see something coming from your right, you stop. Well done, you've just tackled the Magic Roundabout.
The magic roundabout is famous for being apparently impossible to navigate but if you head in the general direction you want, and treat each mini roundabout as you normally would, it becomes extremely easy. Dont think of the entire complex as one roundabout, its actually just 5 mini roundabouts in quick succession. Once you switch your mind like this, it really is a doddle
The wife here. Paid a visit to our friends and family a few weeks ago had to go round this brought back so many memories of all the years I had to negotiate this. Commonly known as malfunction junction
There's one like this in Hemel Hempstead as well, literally could've just been two larger roundabouts or a complex crossroads and it would be exactly as efficient and way less difficult for new or crap drivers.
It’s a great roundabout. As you approach you can look across to your exit and choose the route of least resistance using the mini roundabouts you can either go right or left to reach your destination.
There's a possible question on the driving test in my country that has a trap answer of "planning the route you're gonna take". It seems to be necessary with these kinds of roundabouts
I asked my (new learner) son to turn right at the roundabout and he suddenly went all Spanish. In my country ,(UK) it wasn't a "trap" question or good planning, just scary. He was a bit literal, having only ever been a passenger before. 🙈. Thx to Conquer Driving, he has now passed his test and in those days he hadn't seen the videos. It was in Lockdown so luckily no one else was around, incl no driving instructors 🙄
Dear Richard, I passed my driving test today at the first attempt with only two minors, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for creating such informative videos that certainly helped me to pass. The content you create with live examples is highly commendable, the examiner complimented me at the end of the test for excellent driving and I must thank you for it!
Passed my test first time today! Wanted to say thanks for all the videos and information you give, it helped me a lot! Keep up the good work, we appreciate what you do!
I know of three magic roundabouts; this one in Swindon, one in Hemel Hempstead and the other near Hatton Cross Underground station on the south side of Heathrow Airport. Rather than think of a magic roundabout as one huge roundabout, as mentioned in the video, just slow down and take it one mini-roundabout at a time.
@@Joe-lb8qn Originally it was County Roundabout but the locals nicknamed it the Magic Roundabout after the kids TV programme so eventually the Council decided to officially adopt that name.
I use this roundabout often. Despite its critics I have to say it's brilliant. It works. Yes, it is confusing at first but the traffic flows as you can go any way round it you want. Accidents, believe it or not, are rare as people are cautious but believe me.. it works and it's genius.
They've started using roundabouts in new developments here in canada, They're only one lane and even that people have no idea what to do with. If they put this in, someone would be dead within an hour of opening and there'd be protests to tear it out and put in a 4 way intersection with lights
I don't think anybody would be dead, because the thing with junctions like this is that speed are pretty low, unlike on straight four way intersections with lights, where nothing stops you from running a red light at a high speed. I understand your concern, though, it does look very confusing. 😅 Richard dealt with it pretty well for the first time, so maybe it's more intuitive than we give credit to it. Regarding roundabouts in Canada, I think once people get used to it, they will never go back. 😃
We was actually talking about this the other day,roundabouts are my worst nightmare,so my partner said he’ll take me to the “ magic roundabout “ after watching this he can definitely do one 😩😩😩,great video as always Richard ty. 🚘🚘🚘🚘🚘
I live close to Swindon and tackle this beaut a fair few times. Both routes you took there were scenic routes which I would normally take. The busier route( which would have been left, right, left for Ciren) can get sticky on busy days but in general the whole thing works
The deigners of is roundabout were probably as high as the Empire State Building Edit: My spelling made makes me look like I'm higher than Mount Everest to be fair
I can see why people dislike this junction. It looks to be an absolute nightmare to navigate because of bad markings and because everything is so close together.
from swindon. in my experience, magic roundabout is easy when you know where you're going, but otherwise it sucks (p.s, yes, wroughton is pronounced like raw-ton)
You were lucky I wasn't there. I try to never stop, Always use the empty lane, They all go everywhere, if you don't hesitate you normally find your the only vehicle moving so you can do what you want. I LOVE IT
I love this round about, when it's busy you can just drive around the outside and treat it like one big round about and avoid the congested middle, traffic allways seems to flow well on this round about, rarely is is gridlocked, always shunts and moves.
I'm glad you've posted this, I'll be using this roundabout a fair bit when I pass as my partner works in Swindon, just watching it when I'm on the bus stresses me out!
LL lane turn left. L lane Turn left into right turning lane. R lane drive straight (left turn over right roundabout). RR lane turn right at right roundabout. The reason so many lane exist is to indicate where your going before you go. All four do indicate a separate route.
I found it really easy the first time I came across it. I'm not local and had no idea it existed beforehand. The reason is you have to pay attention, the design of it makes sure you do and that's a good thing, it makes you go slowly. Conversely the Colchester roundabout looked simple and wasn't and I didn't see the police car on the second roundabout. You did make it look more complex than it actually needs to be. The way you approached it was correct, but not necessary. You don't really need to plan a route through on the magic roundabout, just treat it like a large roundabout and go left and go round clockwise as with a normal roundabout giving way at the give way lines until you get to your road. Sometimes it's better to show people an easy way!
Hmm that actually looks quite sane from road level, even going the long way around the outside seems logical. I bet if you’re local you know all the quick routes around it depending on how busy the traffic is. Certainly seems more obvious than some of the giant roundabouts on motorway junctions we have here. At least you can see across it, even if the markings seem more suggestions than actual rules.
My introduction to this roundabout was on a Blue light lesson and my instructor just said good luck 🤣. luckily when on bluelights you just aim for the gap so lanes don't matter as much as long as your being safe lol.
Haha I’m in Colchester tonight to see my Dad and found myself probably on the roundabout you mentioned close to home, near the University of Essex. Still quite challenging and easy to go the wrong way if you don’t know the lane structure. Easier than Swindon but might be worth a vid!
why on earth was it made so utterly complicated, it was either made by a child or someone clearly on acid. i thought the sheriffhall round about in Edinburgh was a bit of a tricky one but this, this is next level. I genuinely don't understand why it was made so complicated
I was down in Swindon for a few weeks for work and I had the pleasure of discovering this magic round about after a twelve hour shift and my anxiety skyrocketed when I got there and saw no clear markings on the road it didn't help that it was dark.
Came across this when driving back from Nottingham via Swindon to Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. Never seen anything like it! We were trying to work out where to go and in doing so ended up driving partly in two lanes. Followed by PC plod who stopped us once we had got off it - to ask why we were driving in two lanes - explained we'd never seen anything like it and were trying to work out which lane we should be in and find our turning without hitting anything. It was a nightmare. She was ok once she realised we were from Pembrokeshire and not used to such things!!
As a resident for 40 years, it is easy now and if you go the wrong way Swindon is the birthplace of the roundabout. It was originally named the County roundabout but the locals always called it Magic. The council gave up and renamed it a few years ago.
More than a few, it's been almost 40! I'm a born and bred Swindonian, 39 years old and it's been the Magic Roundabout as long as I can remember! It was called County Islands until the 80’s!
Top tip. Nobody ever goes that way, even me, when going from gorsehill to Wroughton but definately the best route! I never expect cars coming from that way when driving the opposite direction though
I actually did most of our lessons about Swindon in the late 80's & the when I went for my test the examiner failed me on being too confidence with dealing with the 'magic roundabout'? I was going over that roundabout every lesson so I knew how to deal with them! Passed on my 2nd attempt by the way! So when dealing with multi-roundabouts, either treat them individually or 1 big 1! It's that simple, keep them simple & it's easier to do! . .
I live hear and everyone’s baffled by it but anyone who lives here will tell you this roundabout is amazing. Very rare there’s standstill traffic around it. Treat each roundabout as a separate one or if that fails just drive round the outside!!
That image at 1:19 is incorrect - you should be in the second-left lane if you want to move into that right-hand lane heading into County Road. The leftmost lane is for the middle or left lanes moving anticlockwise. The four lanes into which you're moving go: Leftmost - left-hand and middle lanes Second-left - right-hand lane Second-right - Shrivenham Road Right - M4
I literally live right next to the Greenstead Roundabout in Colchester. You mentioning it, and then saying it's your local town, took me by surprise considering this video was a random RUclips recommended video lol.
4 Lane section opposite football ground is there as there used to be access to the carpark directly off the roundabout. I believe now they have a barrier over it and it is used as an exit only. How to use: point car in direction you want to go... take each mini roundabout at a time - safest roundabout I've ever known. And... yes the old Swindon test route used to have a mandatory requirement to go over the magic...
Used to go over this, all the time. Absolutely simple. Don't know what the fuss is all about. It's just a roundabout, after all. Made up of smaller ones, yes, but still just a roundabout.
My experience is so long as you make your intentions clear and watch out for other people you can really use any lane you like to go anywhere you like.
This is essentially an outer normal roundabout (clockwise/proceed left when entering) with mini-roundabouts along the way to switch to the inner contra-roundabout (anti-clockwise/proceed right when entering). What this means is, if you want to take an exit to your left (so 1st or 2nd) then you treat it like a normal roundabout, just with mini-roundabouts in the way. If you want to go right (so conventially the 3rd or 4th exit) then you use the mini-roundabout to switch to the inner contra-roundabout and go that way. Logically it makes sense to handle the traffic, but thats like saying logically you can follow a noodle in a pot of noodles to get from start to end - its not easy to do unless you are quite adept at it.
I think the left lane is for going left, right for right, middle for straight on. If there are four lanes, the second for going straight then left, the third for going straight then right.
Looking at it, it seems you can use any lane and get to the same place quite easily either efficiently or around. Plus I think by design it prompts drivers to be more aware and concentrate, and thus people drive more cautiously. Id not be surprised if its the safest roundabout in the UK.
"I'm approaching the roundabout now - Tora, Tora, Tora" 😂 The trick is to forget that the big roundabout in the middle is even there, just treat it as a series of mini-roundabouts with very little time for lane selection between them. Take up your lane for the next roundabout as you exit the previous one, not halfway between allowing others the opportunity to come alongside you, and be extra vigilant for others changing lanes unexpectedly (if they didn't exit into the correct lane). Mostly, DON'T FEAR IT! What accidents there are tend to be very minor taps as nobody is going much above walking pace, and are almost always caused by lack of confidence/dithering, rather than aggressive or unattentive driving.
First one of those, was just outside Basildon in the late 80s. That multi roundabout was, perhaps still is much larger. As in there was more distance between each mini, as the larger roundabout was built with artics towing trailers in mind. You got used to it really quickly. But I was warned about it before first use. The road markings were clear, there were high clearly marked kerbs, the middle contra flow roundabout was turfed and there were posted road signs on the approaches, the minis and the main roundabout.
As a local, it tends to just be an absolute free for all. From what I can tell, there isn't many accidents as everyone is going slow enough to avoid them combined with a little common sense.
true. usually its just road rage tho[
that must be the point - it's so confusing that nobody can possibly chance going fast
Traffic Calming XTREME!
It's very daring actually - for a town council to put in an extremely complicated set of mini roundabouts, and not expect carnage.
But it seems to have worked.
I still think this isn't the solution. Because mini-roundabouts wear out very quickly and require constant maintenance even in suburban environments with no heavy traffic.
It's the same with the white/yellow lines - they fade away within a few years.
And no council has the money to maintain the traffic calming monsters they create.
It isn't nearly as bad as it seems, It's quite well engineered as well.
My experience as well. I drove this frequently at one time and never saw an accident, everyone is doing about 5mph and being super careful.
What’s up with u lot it’s brill common sense what’s the prob 👍👏👏👏👏
If there was ever a final boss roundabout, this would be it. I wouldn't wish this roundabout on my worst enemy 😭
Level 50!
The final boss of roundabouts meets the final boss of driving. WHO WILL WIN???
I live next to this Roundabout and learned to appreciate it: the throughput of traffic is unbelievable. There's ever ever a gridlock here
Two roundabouts in a figure of 8 does me. Mental.
Nah, I would say the one in Paris (Place Charlles de Gaule Etoile) would be the final final boss. Even some Parisians avoid this roundabout (you can get away with not driving through it)!
imagine having this roundabout on your driving test☠️☠️☠️
Yeah id be stressed
I live in Swindon and I will definitely have to do learn how to negotiate this roundabout 😑
@@manofculture584 its not on any of the test routes thankfully, but yeah bit of a pain the first time
Once you get the idea of how it works, it’s really easy to get around
Colchester has a similar one. Its actually pretty easy to navigate once you've done it a few times.
As a local, I practiced the Magic Roundabout when learning and, honestly, it's not that bad. Everyone goes slow and are prepared for people around them to choose the wrong lane.
That’s how driving in arab countries is like (like jordan). It’s random, No rules, and chaos. However people go slow expect random cut offs and accidents are avoided
There is no room to manoeuvre if youre in the wrong lane. This is not simple bad road design. This is dreadful road design. Some people were drunk coming up with this
@@austinpowersfasjer if you saw it an action you'd actually see it works really well, it serves its purpose spectacularly. It just seems complicated at first.
@@felixchallis8038 thats exactly the problem. No situation on the road should be 'complicated at first'.
@@austinpowersfasjer well it's not hard if you're not stupid
I live in Swindon and to be honest I never actually learnt how to use the roundabout ( it’s not on the test route ), I just started using it randomly and it’s actually really easy and quite safe as cars do not tend to go over 5 mph. It just becomes very natural very quickly
yes, you have to wonder at the level of skill/awareness of those who find it a problem.
Me too.
I went round the magic roundabout on my driving test, that was over 20 years ago though.
Congrats on pronouncing "town centre" correctly, that's a tricky one! :D
😂
You know your language is chaotic, when people from its homeland don't even know how to pronounce other places in its homeland.
I’m local (I moved to Swindon when I was 18 after I learned to drive in London). I met the man who designed this, it was principally for improved safety, no one is going very fast, there may be lots of little bumps (although I don’t see that many) but serious accidents are far rarer than the big old roundabout. It also flows very well and you can avoid the busy route by taking another option.
That's intersting to know, thank you.
I came through this roundabout on my first day in the UK after moving from the US after an 8-hour flight and jet lagged and it was around 3pm..... easy to say I found out you can go anywhere by just staying on the outside. 🤣
Was thinking I’d do the exact same thing 😂. I live not too far from this and if I have to drive through it I would just treat it like a normal big roundabout and go round the outside to my exit
I passed my practical driving test 2 days ago at first attempt and with 3 minors only. I just want to say thank you for all you do for the industry. I don't know if you know just how much impact you're making and how safer our roads are by reason of these videos.
Thank you.
That's really great to hear, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Hey Richard, I just had my driving test yesterday for a manual license and passed with ease thanks to your videos! I found them absolutely essential and will definitely recommend them to any of my friends.
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing and thank you for watching!
I live in Swindon and once you get used to the magic roundabout (took me like a week), then the magic roundabout is really easy to get around
Locals take magic mushrooms and zebedees to get around it.
No shit.. "Once you're used to something, it's easier" - Michael Owen
@@lw_2 no it's a shithole. I'm from there
You're literally describing learning anything, lmao
@@Evan-nw5ro does it really take someone famous to figure that out?
Yes, as per other locals, it is and always was easy. Before it was built it was one massive roundabout and the queues on a Saturday for footie were huge - and that was in the 1960s. Also Swindon is the home of the mini roundabout - loads of them and they all work well
I am also a local and remember before it was there, it was a nightmare. Also there was a lot less traffic then.
I love to see you driving in other places in the UK!
I just passed my driving test in Swindon a month ago, and your videos were incredibly helpful! It’s great to watch how you approach this mad roundabout!
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
I passed my test today, I had no instructor, no professional lessons, just my dad and his car. 3 minors. Thank you for all your videos. Woooo 😁
Nice of you to consider Richard your dad
That's fantastic news, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
You did that with 3 children in the car! - respect! [hoho]
@@jazzx251 😂😂😂
Great video and well done with the driving and the interpretation, but the less said about the pronunciation the better. I've driven across the Magic Roundabout almost every day for the last 40+ years. It's a work of genius, as anything else wouldn't cope with five major roads converging. The only difference between you and the locals is that we take more direct routes across it, as the shortest route is always the best/quickest. I've seen some weird things on it, including someone attempting a three-point turn in the middle, but there are very few accidents (and then only minor ones), and almost no road rage, because everyone drives slowly. The worst time to use it is when there's a football match on, and crazy pedestrians too lazy to use the crossings round the edge swarm across the middle of it instead.
Interesting that you as someone who has used the roundabout regularly finds that it is a good pice of roadwork. I commented asking what exactly are the benefits but thanks you gave me the answer I needed. Do you think then that a traditional style roundabout wouldnt deal with the same traffic?
It's not a roundabout, it's a 'contra-rotating traffic gyratory system'. This genius design avoids the problem of one dominant flow (rush hour) causing queues on the other entry points, as they would have to wait ages for a gap to join. And take chances. Which leads to traffic lights being installed which I find irritating..
Think of it as a river flow, disputed by rocks. Multiple routes - no obstruction.
Road arrows are not great but they are only a guide, directions on road invisible when busy anyway. Just the divider lines would probably work as well.
However, I love it, it does work - confident drivers no probs, scaredy ones just go slowly.
Not sure how cyclists get on with it though. And it does need LOTS of space, so not easy to install many.
@@petrolhead88uk71 I'm not quite old enough to remember when it was a traditional roundabout, but I believe the traffic levels were already a problem when it was created in 1972, and so I would guess that it would struggle with today's much increased traffic. It's very rare that there's any delay on it - even at busy times. I think the fact that drivers are forced to slow down and negotiate each mini roundabout carefully helps with the flow and makes it safer. I actually drove across this on my driving test, but the test centre has since moved out of town, and so I don't think it features in many tests nowadays (if at all).
Been using this round a bout since it was built , and on my first driving lesson was taken across it, best round a bout ever , easy to use and as you approach you can navigate it by either going left, right or straight over to get to the exit you need. Moves thousands of cars a day with no issues 👍🏻
If I ever need to illustrate Stockholm syndrome I'll use this comment together with this RA scheme
Or you could just learn to drive properly 🤷🏼♂️🤦@@nikolaimiroshnichenko2689
Thanks so much for your videos Richard, the amount of effort you put into them is outstanding. I passed my test last week and your videos helped me a great deal. I feel like I haven't just learned how to pass a test, but that I've learned to become a safe, considerate and knowledgeable driver - not least thanks to your excellent channel. I might not have my test coming up anymore, but I'll definitely keep tuning in! Cheers
That's really nice to hear, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
It must be fun drive in this Magic Roundabout, because of the challenge that it offers. Fantastic video. I also like the camera's layout with those 3 little squares on top and a big rectangle down the screen, I think it takes the video immersion to the next level. Nice cam's layout. Thank you very much for this video Richard Instructor.
It really helps if you know where you’re going, but as a local, this is the best roundabout in Swindon because you can see what’s coming in all directions. This was lesson 2 when I learned how to drive. Swindon is full of roundabouts anyway so we’re totally used to them!
The best thing about the magic roundabout is that there are multiple ways to get to your exit. Because of this the traffic actually flows fairly well.
I bet everybody ends up on the wrong exit at least for the first time.
I passed my test on second try today. Thanks so much Richard, you have a wonderful channel and I learned so much from you.
That's fantastic news, congratulations on passing!
I was quite excited to see you driving on my 'local' roads. Another great video, and made a lot more sense of it than I've been able to in the past!
It doesn't matter which lane you end up in, depends how busy it is, just get into a lane and then indicate your next intention so everyone can make their next decision. I learned many years ago on this roundabout. Four lane exits lead to dual carriageways such as Drakes Way or Queens drive.
Always interesting to see non locals attempt this, you did very well.
I watched this video for absolutely no reason about 3 months ago. Last week, we had to detour through Swindon and hit this roundabout - the wife had a mild panic attack in the passenger seat, but I tackled it calmly just like you did. Thank you SO much for this video in particular as I knew EXACTLY how to handle it as a result.
It's a great design when you understand it. You can get to your chosen road by going left or right around it depending how heavy the traffic is. It works well and there are rarely any accidents.
As a 22 year immigrant to the UK, not only do I love the town of Swindon, my adopted home town - Isambard Kingdom Brunel is one of my heroes, I also find the magic roundabout brilliant. It definitely beats the pants off the chaos at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The secret is to never look like you are going to yield right of way - so many people are uncertain, they will wait for you... carpe diem!
There are 2 methods to using this roundabout. There is the local route, which is drive through the middle. There is the tourist route, which is drive around the outside. I first used this on a bicycle. The biggest problem here is poor lane discipline.
Finally, it is pronounced: Syrensester.
Depends where you're going. I avoid going through the middle at all costs, it always takes longer. I only go through the middle if going from town centre to Walcot or from gorsehill to old town. If not I go around the outside which is quicker.
But this kind of defeats the purpose of the roundabout because you have to give way at every crossing
You forgot the third method: *CHAOS*
you still have traffic coming from the right and left sides driving around the outside 💀
Passed my driving today with only 4 minors. I kept watching all your videos and it's so insightful. Thank you so much!!!
Clearview Driving
Conquer Driving
DGN Driving
The best channels to learn driving!
That's great news, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Good work - I haven't heard of anyone passing their test with 5 children in the car ... so good job. [hoho - never gets old]
I'm also local and think it's a work of utter genius. Never had a problem or seen an accident.
Me who *drives in Bangalore, India* watches this with so much envy at the ease of driving.
Another local here. I learned when this was on the test routes. By the time I passed, the test centre had moved to West Swindon and most of my test was taken in housing estates and the rural roads to Cricklade.
The only time it doesn’t work as well is rush hour, for the reason you showed. The same happened when we used it on Tuesday evening. Sat nav just tends to give up and tell you the name of the exit you need. It’s happened with 2 of our old units and with Google maps.
The first time my driving instructor took me there, I realised where I was, saw the sign, said “you bastard” and shook with fear the whole way around. Now I don’t give it a second thought. It’s often much quicker to use than routes to popular places when avoiding it. I used to use it to get my daughter to college and back via Old Town through to West Swindon.
The roundabout celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. As my husband said in the comments, it’s original name was the five counties roundabout, after the 5 counties Swindon borders. The reason the road markings are pathetic is probably because Swindon Borough Council are not famed for their planning or execution of the upkeep of the roads in our town.
Lastly, the most intense experience of “magic” as the locals refer to it, for me was in a double decker bus going anti clockwise around the centre. Good fun, but intense!
I passed my test a little under a year ago. I live towards Oxford and got a job the opposite side of Swindon a couple of months after passing. The way I came in didn't usually use the magic roundabout but in my first week when the traffic was worse than usual the Sat-Nav told me to divert and I followed it and then realised it was taking me towards this. After lots of swearing I reached the roundabout peak rush hour and it was absolutely fine in the end! Honestly, it's not that bad at all. You just hear the urban legend of this roundabout and it seems so much worse than it turns out to be. Been over it a few times since and never had any issues.
You drove past my window a few times... could've stopped and said "Hi"! 😁
Great video! I was thinking of approaching a police person to ask what they think is the right way to use the Magic.
From local's perspective I recon you've got the right idea at the end, although most of them are advising to "close your eyes & hope for the best!".
And yes: lived next to Magic for 5 years sirens and horns are just a background noise! 😎👍
People overthink this roundabout, I drive over it every day and it's really not difficult. All you do is aim your car in the general direction that you want to go and accelerate. If you see something coming from your right, you stop.
Well done, you've just tackled the Magic Roundabout.
The magic roundabout is famous for being apparently impossible to navigate but if you head in the general direction you want, and treat each mini roundabout as you normally would, it becomes extremely easy. Dont think of the entire complex as one roundabout, its actually just 5 mini roundabouts in quick succession. Once you switch your mind like this, it really is a doddle
The wife here. Paid a visit to our friends and family a few weeks ago had to go round this brought back so many memories of all the years I had to negotiate this. Commonly known as malfunction junction
There's one like this in Hemel Hempstead as well, literally could've just been two larger roundabouts or a complex crossroads and it would be exactly as efficient and way less difficult for new or crap drivers.
It’s a great roundabout. As you approach you can look across to your exit and choose the route of least resistance using the mini roundabouts you can either go right or left to reach your destination.
There's a possible question on the driving test in my country that has a trap answer of "planning the route you're gonna take". It seems to be necessary with these kinds of roundabouts
I asked my (new learner) son to turn right at the roundabout and he suddenly went all Spanish. In my country ,(UK) it wasn't a "trap" question or good planning, just scary. He was a bit literal, having only ever been a passenger before. 🙈. Thx to Conquer Driving, he has now passed his test and in those days he hadn't seen the videos. It was in Lockdown so luckily no one else was around, incl no driving instructors 🙄
I will try it this autumn when I am getting to visit England. Best wishes from Germany 🙂
Tbh. It looks harder when you look at it from above. But when your actual in a car on it. Its easier than i thought.
I agree.
Dear Richard, I passed my driving test today at the first attempt with only two minors, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for creating such informative videos that certainly helped me to pass.
The content you create with live examples is highly commendable, the examiner complimented me at the end of the test for excellent driving and I must thank you for it!
That's really great to hear, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
was literally thinking about this roundabout yesterday
Passed my test first time today! Wanted to say thanks for all the videos and information you give, it helped me a lot!
Keep up the good work, we appreciate what you do!
That's great news, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
I know of three magic roundabouts; this one in Swindon, one in Hemel Hempstead and the other near Hatton Cross Underground station on the south side of Heathrow Airport. Rather than think of a magic roundabout as one huge roundabout, as mentioned in the video, just slow down and take it one mini-roundabout at a time.
I like the fact the actual official road signs say Magic Roundabout !
@@Joe-lb8qn Originally it was County Roundabout but the locals nicknamed it the Magic Roundabout after the kids TV programme so eventually the Council decided to officially adopt that name.
I use this roundabout often. Despite its critics I have to say it's brilliant. It works. Yes, it is confusing at first but the traffic flows as you can go any way round it you want. Accidents, believe it or not, are rare as people are cautious but believe me.. it works and it's genius.
They've started using roundabouts in new developments here in canada, They're only one lane and even that people have no idea what to do with. If they put this in, someone would be dead within an hour of opening and there'd be protests to tear it out and put in a 4 way intersection with lights
I don't think anybody would be dead, because the thing with junctions like this is that speed are pretty low, unlike on straight four way intersections with lights, where nothing stops you from running a red light at a high speed. I understand your concern, though, it does look very confusing. 😅 Richard dealt with it pretty well for the first time, so maybe it's more intuitive than we give credit to it.
Regarding roundabouts in Canada, I think once people get used to it, they will never go back. 😃
We was actually talking about this the other day,roundabouts are my worst nightmare,so my partner said he’ll take me to the “ magic roundabout “ after watching this he can definitely do one 😩😩😩,great video as always Richard ty. 🚘🚘🚘🚘🚘
Whoever designed it probably thought it was funny but i think its dangerous and completely unnecessary
why would they build a full roundabout like this just to be funny? its practical, just confusing at first
I live close to Swindon and tackle this beaut a fair few times. Both routes you took there were scenic routes which I would normally take. The busier route( which would have been left, right, left for Ciren) can get sticky on busy days but in general the whole thing works
The deigners of is roundabout were probably as high as the Empire State Building
Edit: My spelling made makes me look like I'm higher than Mount Everest to be fair
I can see why people dislike this junction. It looks to be an absolute nightmare to navigate because of bad markings and because everything is so close together.
from swindon. in my experience, magic roundabout is easy when you know where you're going, but otherwise it sucks
(p.s, yes, wroughton is pronounced like raw-ton)
You were lucky I wasn't there. I try to never stop, Always use the empty lane, They all go everywhere, if you don't hesitate you normally find your the only vehicle moving so you can do what you want. I LOVE IT
What roundabouts look like to americans
I love this round about, when it's busy you can just drive around the outside and treat it like one big round about and avoid the congested middle, traffic allways seems to flow well on this round about, rarely is is gridlocked, always shunts and moves.
Anyone else from Swindon here? 😂😂
Yep I am
I'm glad you've posted this, I'll be using this roundabout a fair bit when I pass as my partner works in Swindon, just watching it when I'm on the bus stresses me out!
LL lane turn left. L lane Turn left into right turning lane. R lane drive straight (left turn over right roundabout). RR lane turn right at right roundabout. The reason so many lane exist is to indicate where your going before you go. All four do indicate a separate route.
Just wanted to drop by and thank you Richard, got my license the other day and your videos have really helped a lot.
That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
I live 5 minutes away from this roundabout and had to do this for a driving test in a 4 tonne van, the trick is to aim and hope for the best
I love this roundabout, there are so many different ways to navigate it.
I found it really easy the first time I came across it. I'm not local and had no idea it existed beforehand. The reason is you have to pay attention, the design of it makes sure you do and that's a good thing, it makes you go slowly. Conversely the Colchester roundabout looked simple and wasn't and I didn't see the police car on the second roundabout.
You did make it look more complex than it actually needs to be. The way you approached it was correct, but not necessary. You don't really need to plan a route through on the magic roundabout, just treat it like a large roundabout and go left and go round clockwise as with a normal roundabout giving way at the give way lines until you get to your road. Sometimes it's better to show people an easy way!
I couldn't get lgv lessons in Bristol, only in Swindon and I got this to face 😭😂😜🎉 thanks for the vid, I needed this.
Good luck with your training and test, it's quite simple when you know how. But it does get blocked up when busy.
Hmm that actually looks quite sane from road level, even going the long way around the outside seems logical. I bet if you’re local you know all the quick routes around it depending on how busy the traffic is. Certainly seems more obvious than some of the giant roundabouts on motorway junctions we have here. At least you can see across it, even if the markings seem more suggestions than actual rules.
Born in Swindon and lived here all my life. The thing is this roundabout does work .
My introduction to this roundabout was on a Blue light lesson and my instructor just said good luck 🤣. luckily when on bluelights you just aim for the gap so lanes don't matter as much as long as your being safe lol.
Haha I’m in Colchester tonight to see my Dad and found myself probably on the roundabout you mentioned close to home, near the University of Essex. Still quite challenging and easy to go the wrong way if you don’t know the lane structure. Easier than Swindon but might be worth a vid!
why on earth was it made so utterly complicated, it was either made by a child or someone clearly on acid. i thought the sheriffhall round about in Edinburgh was a bit of a tricky one but this, this is next level. I genuinely don't understand why it was made so complicated
Just look right at each roundabout. It works really well and the traffic flows freely. A matter of confidence with this one.
I was down in Swindon for a few weeks for work and I had the pleasure of discovering this magic round about after a twelve hour shift and my anxiety skyrocketed when I got there and saw no clear markings on the road it didn't help that it was dark.
Best roundabout ever .It truly is magic . Never a snarl up . If he finds it difficult he ought to change his job .
Came across this when driving back from Nottingham via Swindon to Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. Never seen anything like it! We were trying to work out where to go and in doing so ended up driving partly in two lanes. Followed by PC plod who stopped us once we had got off it - to ask why we were driving in two lanes - explained we'd never seen anything like it and were trying to work out which lane we should be in and find our turning without hitting anything. It was a nightmare. She was ok once she realised we were from Pembrokeshire and not used to such things!!
As a resident for 40 years, it is easy now and if you go the wrong way Swindon is the birthplace of the roundabout. It was originally named the County roundabout but the locals always called it Magic. The council gave up and renamed it a few years ago.
More than a few, it's been almost 40! I'm a born and bred Swindonian, 39 years old and it's been the Magic Roundabout as long as I can remember! It was called County Islands until the 80’s!
Top tip. Nobody ever goes that way, even me, when going from gorsehill to Wroughton but definately the best route! I never expect cars coming from that way when driving the opposite direction though
I actually did most of our lessons about Swindon in the late 80's & the when I went for my test the examiner failed me on being too confidence with dealing with the 'magic roundabout'? I was going over that roundabout every lesson so I knew how to deal with them! Passed on my 2nd attempt by the way! So when dealing with multi-roundabouts, either treat them individually or 1 big 1! It's that simple, keep them simple & it's easier to do! . .
@11:17 the paramedics just walking to the patient instead😂😂
I live hear and everyone’s baffled by it but anyone who lives here will tell you this roundabout is amazing. Very rare there’s standstill traffic around it. Treat each roundabout as a separate one or if that fails just drive round the outside!!
That image at 1:19 is incorrect - you should be in the second-left lane if you want to move into that right-hand lane heading into County Road. The leftmost lane is for the middle or left lanes moving anticlockwise.
The four lanes into which you're moving go:
Leftmost - left-hand and middle lanes
Second-left - right-hand lane
Second-right - Shrivenham Road
Right - M4
I love it. Right next to the football stadium aswell so we force travelling fans to navigate it
I literally live right next to the Greenstead Roundabout in Colchester. You mentioning it, and then saying it's your local town, took me by surprise considering this video was a random RUclips recommended video lol.
4 Lane section opposite football ground is there as there used to be access to the carpark directly off the roundabout. I believe now they have a barrier over it and it is used as an exit only.
How to use: point car in direction you want to go... take each mini roundabout at a time - safest roundabout I've ever known. And... yes the old Swindon test route used to have a mandatory requirement to go over the magic...
I’m a local and think it’s a great roundabout not many accidents and flows better than lights in heavy traffic
Used to go over this, all the time. Absolutely simple. Don't know what the fuss is all about. It's just a roundabout, after all. Made up of smaller ones, yes, but still just a roundabout.
My experience is so long as you make your intentions clear and watch out for other people you can really use any lane you like to go anywhere you like.
I would like to thank you for helping me being approved in my driver text.
Salute from Brazil.
That's great to hear, congratulations on getting approved!
This is essentially an outer normal roundabout (clockwise/proceed left when entering) with mini-roundabouts along the way to switch to the inner contra-roundabout (anti-clockwise/proceed right when entering).
What this means is, if you want to take an exit to your left (so 1st or 2nd) then you treat it like a normal roundabout, just with mini-roundabouts in the way. If you want to go right (so conventially the 3rd or 4th exit) then you use the mini-roundabout to switch to the inner contra-roundabout and go that way.
Logically it makes sense to handle the traffic, but thats like saying logically you can follow a noodle in a pot of noodles to get from start to end - its not easy to do unless you are quite adept at it.
Cirencester, famous Roman town. I love our magic roundabout!!
As a Canadian living nearby this place blew my mind 🤯
I think the left lane is for going left, right for right, middle for straight on. If there are four lanes, the second for going straight then left, the third for going straight then right.
This give a whole new meaning to swinds and roundabouts!
😂
Your pronunciation of Cirencester and Wroughton had me in hysterics here, haven't laughed so much in ages.
I use it every day the best idea ever and easy to use.
Looking at it, it seems you can use any lane and get to the same place quite easily either efficiently or around.
Plus I think by design it prompts drivers to be more aware and concentrate, and thus people drive more cautiously. Id not be surprised if its the safest roundabout in the UK.
"I'm approaching the roundabout now - Tora, Tora, Tora" 😂
The trick is to forget that the big roundabout in the middle is even there, just treat it as a series of mini-roundabouts with very little time for lane selection between them. Take up your lane for the next roundabout as you exit the previous one, not halfway between allowing others the opportunity to come alongside you, and be extra vigilant for others changing lanes unexpectedly (if they didn't exit into the correct lane).
Mostly, DON'T FEAR IT! What accidents there are tend to be very minor taps as nobody is going much above walking pace, and are almost always caused by lack of confidence/dithering, rather than aggressive or unattentive driving.
This is a superb video, Richard. Thank you very much.
I seem to remember a t shirt which said on it I completed the magic roundabout swindon.
First one of those, was just outside Basildon in the late 80s. That multi roundabout was, perhaps still is much larger. As in there was more distance between each mini, as the larger roundabout was built with artics towing trailers in mind. You got used to it really quickly. But I was warned about it before first use.
The road markings were clear, there were high clearly marked kerbs, the middle contra flow roundabout was turfed and there were posted road signs on the approaches, the minis and the main roundabout.