If you have noticed the new Bayfair roundabout, you may be confused as to why there seems to be both a roundabout and traffic lights.

This new spectacle has been a hot topic since its arrival.

“I thought it was a good idea when it first came about but due to it taking so long to build and the population growing it’s now become more of a hindrance than a positive,” says Tauranga resident James Thompson.

“I think it’s an upgrade, but it’s confusing to use,” says another Tauranga's Penny Smith.

“It’s better than before, but confusing to use,” says Bella Donald, who was visiting for the weekend.

Locals and non-locals alike find the new roundabout confusing, which is concerning as this could create more accidents.

“We recognise that the new, larger roundabout, with the new traffic lane configuration and new traffic signals, is a significant change for all road users,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi infrastructure delivery regional manager Jo Wilton.

“The combination of a roundabout and traffic lights is terrible and causes congestion because it can often allow too many cars through each green light cycle which blocks lanes throughout,” says James.

“I think the combination is good and efficient, I just think it can cause stressed and confused drivers,” says Penny.

“It’s good to keep traffic flowing from all directions as long as people know how to use it,” says Bella.

“We’re already seeing how the new flyover combined with the new signalised roundabout is improving overall traffic flow,” says Jo.

People who aren’t from the area may find the roundabout and traffic light combination very confusing. John Borren.

“It has also changed how the local roads operate in the Bayfair area by separating local from state highway traffic and providing an improved walking and cycling connection between Matapihi and Arataki.”

Penny says the new roundabout has improved traffic flow in the area however she thinks it has not improved safety.

“One of the key outcomes of the Bay Link project is making it safer for everyone who travels through the area – driving, walking or cycling, and the project has been designed to improve traffic flow and to accommodate an increasing number of people walking and cycling through the area,” says Jo.

“Signalised roundabouts are relatively new in New Zealand and a significant amount of research was undertaken into their use internationally before choosing the design.

“In addition, an independent safety audit was undertaken, which endorsed the signalised roundabout, specifically noting that it was a safer option compared to a conventional signalised intersection.

“A conventional signalised intersection incorporates cross movements and many conflict points, which can lead to an increase in crash risk and crash severity, including additional risks to vulnerable road users.

“Signalised roundabouts are the safer option due to reduced speed and less severe impact angles, eg typically crash types are rear-end crashes as opposed to side impact crashes.”

 All interviewees agreed that the roundabout is confusing to use.

“For someone who lives in Tauranga and lives out near the roundabout with traffic lights in Welcome Bay, it is easy to understand because I use them every day, however, when friends and family visit they find it stressful,” says Penny.

“While signalised roundabouts aren’t that common in Aotearoa New Zealand, for people driving, using the roundabout is just like any signalised intersection where a prepared driver ensures they are in the correct lane, adheres to the correct lane markings while transiting the roundabout, and follows the signals through red to green light phasing,” says Jo.

“Introducing signals at the roundabout provides the ability to better balance and coordinate all road users in this location.

“This includes better traffic flows for drivers approaching from any direction and allows people to cross at ground level, which provides an additional and accessible walking and cycling connection between Matapihi and Arataki.”

When asked if the interviewees believe that tourists or people not from the area would understand the system, James says “No, not at all.”

“I think tourists – especially those from countries that don’t drive on the left side – would find it very difficult,” says Penny.

“It would be a complicated roundabout to try to figure out especially when not being used to the layout.”

“It will cause accidents,” says Bella.

When asked about the risks of the new format, James says the lanes are very confusing and he struggles to know which ones to use.

“We recognise that the new roundabout is unfamiliar and will take time for road users to acclimatise to,” says Jo.

“Public feedback is mixed. Positive comments reflect the way the new signalised roundabout balances traffic flow from all competing approaches, reducing queuing.

“Other comments relate to red light running and the safety risk this poses to people using the roundabout, especially people walking and cycling through the crossing, the timing allowed by the lights for pedestrians to cross, and unclear line marking, which has since been addressed.  

“We are currently considering adjustments to the roundabout to further enhance the safety of all road users. Before these adjustments can be made, they have to go through a safety audit process. 

“We have observed twp crashes at the roundabout, all of low severity, including one nose-to-tail and one side sweep crash.”