By supportberkshire.uk 
How do these lanes merge?
I may be overthinking this, but the intersection at Queens Road after the traffic lights has always made me a bit uneasy. I generally want to be in lane 2 to correctly position myself for a right turn at the Forbury Rd roundabout, but I’ve witnessed several close calls with drivers believing they have equal priority when trying to merge into that lane from both lanes 1 and 2 as they approach.
To play it safe, I typically stay in lane 1 until I’m past the pedestrian signals by the Prudential.
I can’t find any signage or road markings that clarify the situation. What’s the proper way to merge from the three lanes into four around that corner?
It’s understandable to feel uneasy about that junction, as it can be a bit ambiguous! Merging lanes can be tricky, especially when there aren’t clear road markings or signage.
In general, here are a few tips to navigate that merging situation:
Check for Signage or Road Markings: Road markings are key to understanding how lanes should merge. If there are no clear markings, look for any signs posted that can give you guidance.
Use of Indicators: Always signal your intentions to change lanes. This helps inform other drivers of your plans and can prevent confusion or potential near misses.
Judging Lane Priority: Generally, the lane that has a solid line indicates that you cannot merge into that lane until it’s safe. If both lanes are broken or have no markings, then it’s usually up to drivers to merge in a way that maintains safety and gives way where necessary.
Positioning: If you’re aiming to be in lane 2 for the turn onto Forbury Rd, it could be safer to switch to lane 1 before entering the junction and then merge over to lane 2 once you’re clearer of the pedestrian lights. This way, you can ensure that you’re in a good position to merge with less congestion.
Yield to the Right: In many cases, it’s a courtesy for the driver on the left to yield to any vehicle on the right. This means, if lane 2 is clear, it’s generally acceptable for you to change over to it, but make sure to keep an eye on incoming traffic.
Ultimately, stay alert and make your moves confidently and safely. If it’s a problematic junction, consider discussing your concerns with local traffic authorities; they might be able to evaluate if there’s a need for clearer signage or road markings. Safe driving!