tokyospur
Cruising
- May 9, 2010
- 23
- 2
Apparently the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has commissioned a group to look at introducing roundabouts into Japan. It was formed early in September. I can`t find anything in English but there`s some interesting stuff in Japanese here:http://www.mlit.go.jp/road/ir/ir-council/roundabout/doc01.html
Presumably they will look at the safety issues, traffic flow and also the earthquake/ tsunami evacuation benefits (stories of people stopping at lights and level crossings instead of getting to safety). I cannot imagine though the carnage which would ensue when first introduced here - there would have to be a massive education campaign for sure.
http://www.mlit.go.jp/road/ir/ir-council/roundabout/pdf01/4.pdf
Interesting that according to this document the UK first introduced roundabouts in the 1960s, and came up with formal guidelines in 1993. As a driver I appreciate the benefits to traffic flow; but I find them petrifying in heavy traffic on a bike. But better than stopping at the millions of lights in Japan.
Graham
Presumably they will look at the safety issues, traffic flow and also the earthquake/ tsunami evacuation benefits (stories of people stopping at lights and level crossings instead of getting to safety). I cannot imagine though the carnage which would ensue when first introduced here - there would have to be a massive education campaign for sure.
http://www.mlit.go.jp/road/ir/ir-council/roundabout/pdf01/4.pdf
Interesting that according to this document the UK first introduced roundabouts in the 1960s, and came up with formal guidelines in 1993. As a driver I appreciate the benefits to traffic flow; but I find them petrifying in heavy traffic on a bike. But better than stopping at the millions of lights in Japan.
Graham