Traffic lights turn roundabout into a circle of confusion

CONCERNS still persist over the adequacy of the Beribi Jangsak roundabout, which has been equipped with traffic lights and in operation during peak hours of the day. Whilst days have passed without much incident, there have been moments of confusion which threatened to overshadow what has been smooth sailing so far.

"There are drivers who are running the lights, and others who dive into the lanes without really paying attention to how many cars there are on the roundabout," said Hishamuddin, who lives along Jalan Tutong.

"I don't think this is the appropriate place for traffic lights, because there have been moments when the lights are red and there are too many cars already on the roundabout that traffic on the approach is held up."

As the New Year heralded in heavier traffic than those seen during trials held in December, due to the reopening of schools, the traffic along the roundabout has been a mix of great coordination and yet sometimes utter confusion. Since its reactivation vehicles could be seen hesitantly entering the roundabout after the ignorance of some drivers rendering the traffic signals useless. Other occasions saw cars encroaching the yellow box, which should be kept clear at all times.

A member of the public sector who wished to remain anonymous has highlighted the importance of road users following the regulations in order to see any success of the new system, "if drivers do not follow the rules and regulations, the system will not be successful at all."

He added that it is likely the Royal Brunei Police Force will play a role in ensuring that accidents are avoided.

Meanwhile Iskandar Zulkipli, a local who has recently returned from Australia, has said that traffic lights can be helpful for drivers who are not confident.

He feels that the traffic signals can regulate the traffic provided that the conditions are appropriate.

"It takes confidence to drive onto a roundabout, and I know drivers who avoid the big roundabout (near Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah) at all costs, by stopping traffic on the roundabout it lets cars enter without fear (of being hit)," he said.

"I think it will only work outside of peak hours though, and not during the times installed."

This observation is seen by others who feel that the traffic lights cannot measure the flow of oncoming traffic appropriately. While the traffic has been regulated with some margin of success, it is difficult to say whether or not during heavier periods of traffic whether it will remain the same.

Previously members of the Public Works have expressed concerns that the approaches from Mata-mata, Gadong and the Beribi Industrial area may be affected most should there be any shortcomings from the timing of the traffic lights.

With a slip road connecting Beribi, Jangsak and Mata-mata, the congestion is markedly less, whilst tailbacks have become a common sight during rush hour along the two routes that lead to the roundabout with or without the traffic light system in place.

The Brunei Times