Dear editor:

As I have previously written, the proposed “yield-at-entry” roundabout in St. Davids is exactly the correct approach to traffic flow, pedestrian access and safety, period.

This matter is simply not one for the general public to weigh in on, as generally we really don’t have the knowledge or experience to be able to constructively comment on such infrastructure and engineering projects.  

I would draw your attention to the comments of two significant organizations that have completed research and compiled reports over many years, on many similar projects: Canadian Consulting Engineers and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  

The initial capital cost for roundabouts is indeed higher and more disruptive than installing traffic lights, but they are far safer for all parties, and their operational cost is a fraction of traffic lights.

On completion, roundabouts can also become beacons of creative and inspirational landscaping.  

Europe has been using roundabouts for more than 60 years with remarkable success in small towns and villages, as well as in major urban environments.

Four-way stop signs and traffic lights are disruptive to traffic flow, dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, and unsightly to our built environment.  

I would suggest that those who have doubts might wish to go out and start practising, using and navigating roundabouts properly (and most certainly observe them in use), in order to better understand their true advantages and benefits.  

We need to be providing our children and grandchildren with a safer, simpler, cleaner and more sustainable environment in which to live. 

Philip Hoad
St. Davids