People are driving around roundabouts all wrong and this is actually what lane you are meant to be using

We've all been there. If you're a driver, you've undoubtedly had an experience where you've seen a car in the wrong lane travelling around a roundabout, or you may have been beeped by someone accusing you of getting it wrong yourself. There's countless such incidents day in, day out, across the roads in Wales, but who is really in the right?

The Highway Code has clear answers for anyone who is still unsure. When taking the first exit to the left, it states that unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should signal left and approach in the left-hand lane, and keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave. When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should signal right and approach in the right-hand lane, keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout, and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

But, here's where it gets confusing. What if you're driving straight through, taking what is known as an intermediate exit, or in other words, if the exit is positioned at 12 o'clock when you approach it.

Here's where we get some road rage, particularly from people who still think you should be in the right hand lane. If that's you, then sadly you are wrong. And you shouldn't have beeped at that old man!

Going straight on

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout, you should not normally need to signal on approach, you should stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout, and you should signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want. The code states that when there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, you should use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it. In other words, the law says use some common sense.

For mini roundabouts, it says you should approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts, and all vehicles must pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. It says to avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android.

The Highway Code adds: "When reaching the roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights, check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining, watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all and look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

"You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic. Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

"Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout. Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.

"In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads, traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit, traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, long vehicles (including those towing trailers). These might have to take a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals." Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.