Autoversicherung: Creeping Roundabouts Unsettle Federal Republic For cost reasons and for their proven effectiveness in reducing congestion at noted bottlenecks, the German authorities have decided upon an accelerated program of roundabout building. However these new additions to the streetscape are not being welcomed by all of Germany's road users.

A cost comparison helps to explain the urgency of these developments. Although the installation of a mini roundabout (between 200,000 and 400,000 Euro) is comparable with the cost of connecting a set of traffic lights (around 300,000 Euro), the real benefits of the roundabout solution really become apparent when examining the operational costs.

Typically, it amounts to nearly 200,000 Euro annually to maintain the electrical systems of traffic lights set against the 30,000 Euro or so it takes to look after a roundabout. However set against these savings for the German regional authorities there would doubtless be many more motorists claiming accident compensation through their motor insurance or Autoversicherung. In other countries it has been demonstrated empirically that roundabouts smooth traffic flow at peak times when most accidents occur.

However it is also likely that in the early phases of the roundabout expansion program more accidents would take place and the Autoversicherung would have to pick up the tab. The reasons for this likely rise in the number of traffic accidents are readily understood. The German motor magazine ADAC Motorwelt reports that many German road users are unfamiliar with the rules governing progress across the Kreisverkehr or roundabout. Many are unaware for example that indicating upon entering one is forbidden under German traffic law and is only allowed when the road user wants to exit. Motorwelt also reports uncertainty on the question as to who has priority on a two lane roundabout.

Of course this knowledge gap can be explained by the marked scarcity of roundabouts on Germany's roads in comparison with the UK. Here the roundabout is a familiar and much loved part of our British streetscape. Indeed, Clive Greenaway, a driving instructor from Dorset, has expressed his affection for them through the founding of the Roundabout Appreciation Society and has also published a calendar decorated with photographs of his favourite traffic islands that sold like hot cakes. Perhaps a version could be produced for the German market that illustrates some choice junctions and crossroads since Germans do seem, for the time being at least, to prefer the reassurance provided by a commanding set of traffic lights.

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