I AM not surprised that Mr Scarborough (Letters, September 25) is concerned by the Drake Statue roundabout if he thinks that an oncoming vehicle can turn right 'across his path'. Such a manoeuvre cannot be described as such because traffic already on a roundabout has precedence over that joining it, unless signs indicate otherwise (for example, the Plymouth exit from the Tamar Bridge).
The Highway Code does indeed call for a right turn indication, but in its absence it should not be assumed that the motorist is leaving the roundabout. If no indication is displayed, it should be anticipated that he or she could go either way. In the event of a left indication, your response should allow you to stop short, in case this is being shown in error.
More dangerous are the markings at the Bedford Square end of Plymouth Road. Here, the approach to the mini-roundabout widens into two lanes immediately after the bus stop and taxi rank. When these are clear, I have sometimes seen those turning left undertake others who correctly delay moving over until the road markings indicate. In addition to risking a collision, such impatient motorists also threaten the safety of pedestrians who might be on the crossing.
Also misinterpreted in this area are the raised quasi-pedestrian crossings at the other end of Bedford Square and along Duke Street. Users have no precedence over vehicles, although accommodating behaviour of motorists is expected. I have misread the body language of pedestrians suggesting that they might be letting me through, only to step out right in front of me. So far, defensive driving which allows for the unexpected has avoided an accident.
Bryan Gibson
8 Reddicliff Road
Hooe
Plymouth