Kilmarnock: The Cross, Hurlford - Roundabout at Bickets - Victoria -
   Bellfield Interchange
   Ayr: Twin Roundabouts At Train Station - Monktonhill - Dutch House

The Cross, Hurlford, Kilmarnock

The Cross, Hurlford

Note: - On this roundabout, when taking the road ahead from Mauchline to Kilmarnock (London Road), and vice versa, steering your car into position is important and you should follow your route as indicated by the blue(1) line or the red(2) line.

As a guide, try to follow towards the island that separates the lanes of the junction before yours and then steer towards your exit while not allowing your car to cross over the 'faint tarmac join line'. If you cross over this 'faint tarmac join line' then you will be entering the right-hand area on the roundabout, but this area is for traffic turning right at the roundabout.

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Roundabout Next To Bickets, Kilmarnock

Roundabout Next To Bickets

Note: - On this roundabout the left-hand lane (on the roundabout) is wide enough for two vehicles when travelling from Town Centre to Ayr, and vice versa, therefore position is important when following these routes.

Travelling from Town Centre to Ayr.
Approach the roundabout in the left-hand lane and when you travel onto the roundabout keep your car more to the right of the wide left-hand lane following the route as indicated by the blue car(2). There is a faint tarmac join line and this can be used as a guide to keep your car in position.

Note: -

• Do not move too far right as this could impede traffic using the right-hand lane (travelling for Irvine).
• If travelling this route, indicated by the blue car(2), then be aware of any vehicle that might be travelling through using the far left side of the wide left-hand lane, and continues through for the Ayr exit.

Travelling from Ayr to Town Centre.
Follow this route, indicated by the green car(3), and use the same principles as for 'Travelling from Town Centre to Ayr'.

Travelling from Town Centre to Bellfield.
Approach the roundabout in the left-hand lane and when you travel onto the roundabout keep your car more to the left of the wide left-hand lane following the route as indicated by the red car(1). Being in this position means that if the car behind you is travelling to Ayr, as indicated by the blue car(2), then they can position more to the right-hand and pass you on their way to the Ayr exit.

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Victoria Roundabout, Kilmarnock

Victoria Roundabout, Queens Drive

Note: - On this roundabout, when taking the road ahead from Glasgow (Hurlford) to Town Centre, and vice versa, either lane can be used (the left-hand or the right-hand lane).

Travelling from Glasgow (Hurlford) to Town Centre.
If you use the right-hand lane then you must exit the roundabout still in the right-hand lane as indicated by the red line(2). This is because traffic in the left-hand lane can also travel through as indicated by the blue line(1). You would use the right-hand lane if you knew that at the junction after this roundabout, you were going to turn right.

Travelling from Town Centre to Glasgow (Hurlford).
Just like 'Travelling from Glasgow (Hurlford) to Town Centre', if you use the right-hand lane then you must exit the roundabout still in the right-hand lane. There is one difference for this route and that is, very shortly after you exit the roundabout you will have to merge into the traffic in the left-hand lane because the two lanes are reduced to just one lane.
Therefore, if the left-hand lane is flowing freely i.e. there are no obstructions or very slow vehicles, then it is best to use the left-hand lane on this route.

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Bellfield Interchange, Kilmarnock

Points to note: -

• The details required to negotiate this multilaned roundabout safely are clearly an indication that the design lacks an understanding of 'human nature'. The Whitletts roundabout in Ayr is also multilaned but of a far superior design making it much easier to negotiate.
• A feasibility study with respect to traffic lights for this roundabout was due for completion by June 2009. If passed, then traffic lights will be installed at a later date and their introduction should make it easier to negotiate the Bellfield Interchange. Note: The mini roundabout on Queens Drive leading up to the Bellfield Interchange could also be replaced with the introduction of traffic lights.
• For some reason, the direction markings (e.g. A76, A735, etc.) have been removed from the road on the roundabout but the direction markings on approach to the roundabout still remain. The following diagram has been left with the original markings showing thereby making it easier to understand.
• Each approaching right-hand lane has 'Guide Dots' leading onto the roundabout. Use these to guide your vehicle over to your required lane as you travel onto the roundabout.
• The reference points A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J should help in understanding what to do and when.
• The blue, green and red lines give an indication of the path your vehicle should follow for some of the routes.
• Always make sure it is safe before travelling onto the roundabout. Traffic can flow at a brisk pace on this roundabout.

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Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Dumfries A76.

Detailed description.

Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A76, signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A76.
At 'Pt A', have a quick look over to your left side, including your left blind spot, for other vehicles in the left-hand lane. If there are other vehicles travelling round in the left-hand lane then adjust your speed (or maintain your speed) so as to try and avoid having a vehicle immediately on your left-hand side by the time you reach 'Pt B'. Also, when travelling from 'Pt A' to 'Pt B' keep your car postioned more to the left of your lane and this should produce a more natural progress from 'Pt B' to 'Pt C' (i.e. you should not have to steer left in order to reach 'Pt C').

As you approach 'Pt C', use your main mirror and left door mirror then at 'Pt C' signal left. When your left signal is on (and not before this) start moving over to the far left-hand lane and continue to the Dumfries A76 exit.

Note: From the lane markings you can see that vehicles should not travel from 'Pt D' to 'Pt E' (they should leave the roundabout heading for Edinburgh A71(E)) but many drivers do mistakenly travel from 'Pt D' to 'Pt E', thus the reason why you want to try and avoid having a vehicle on your left-hand side when travelling from 'Pt B' to 'Pt C' then over to the far left-hand lane.

Note: The left signal timing is crucial because you do not want to signal left too early or other drivers might interpret this as you heading for the Edinburgh A71(E) exit and this could cause the vehicles travelling from the Edinburgh direction to enter the roundabout just as you travel through 'Pt C'. A late left signal would give other road users insufficient time to realise that you are leaving the roundabout at the Dumfries A76 exit thus unnecessarily delaying the entering of the vehicles, travelling from the Dumfries direction, onto the roundabout.

Travelling from Irvine A71 to Dumfries A76.
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A76, signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A76. At 'Pt A', follow the routine as for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Dumfries A76'.

Travelling from Ayr A77 to Dumfries A76.
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A76, signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A76. At 'Pt A', follow the routine as for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Dumfries A76'.

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Travelling from Dumfries A76 to Kilmarnock A735.

Detailed description.

This is the same routine as that for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Dumfries A76', but the following is an explanation in relation to references on this route.

Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A735, signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A735.
At 'Pt F', have a quick look over to your left side, including your left blind spot, for other vehicles in the left-hand lane. If there are other vehicles travelling round in the left-hand lane then adjust your speed (or maintain your speed) so as to try and avoid having a vehicle immediately on your left-hand side by the time you reach 'Pt G'. Also, when travelling from 'Pt F' to 'Pt G' keep your car postioned more to the left of your lane and this should produce a more natural progress from 'Pt G' to 'Pt H' (i.e. you should not have to steer left in order to reach 'Pt H').

As you approach 'Pt H', use your main mirror and left door mirror then at 'Pt H' signal left. When your left signal is on (and not before this) start moving over to the far left-hand lane and continue to the Kilmarnock A735 exit.

Note: From the lane markings you can see that vehicles should not travel from 'Pt I' to 'Pt J' (they should leave the roundabout heading for Irvine A71(W)) but many drivers do mistakenly travel from 'Pt I' to 'Pt J', thus the reason why you want to try and avoid having a vehicle on your left-hand side when travelling from 'Pt I' to 'Pt J' then over to the far left-hand lane.

Note: The left signal timing is crucial because you do not want to signal left too early or other drivers might interpret this as you heading for the Irvine A71(W) exit and this could cause the vehicles travelling from the Irvine direction to enter the roundabout just as you travel through 'Pt H'. A late left signal would give other road users insufficient time to realise that you are leaving the roundabout at the Kilmarnock A735 exit thus unnecessarily delaying the entering of the vehicles, travelling from the Kilmarnock direction, onto the roundabout.

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Travelling from Edinburgh A71 to Kilmarnock A735.
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A735, signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A735. At 'Pt F', follow the routine as for 'Travelling from Dumfries A76 to Kilmarnock A735'.

Travelling from Glasgow A77 to Kilmarnock A735.
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A735, signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A735. At 'Pt F', follow the routine as for 'Travelling from Dumfries A76 to Kilmarnock A735'.

Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Ayr A77(S).
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A77(S), signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A77(S).
At 'Pt A', have a quick look over to your left side, including your left blind spot, for other vehicles in the left-hand lane. If there are other vehicles travelling round in the left-hand lane then adjust your speed (or maintain your speed) so as to try and avoid having a vehicle immediately on your left-hand side by the time you reach 'Pt B'. Also, when travelling from 'Pt A' to 'Pt B' keep your car postioned more to the left of your lane and this should produce a more natural progress from 'Pt B' to 'Pt C' (i.e. you should not have to steer left in order to reach 'Pt C').

At 'Pt C' continue in the middle lane, again marked A77(S). Using this lane and not moving over to the far left-hand lane (also marked A77(S)) allows the traffic approaching from the Edinburgh A71 direction to use the left-hand lane to also head for Ayr A77(S) (or for Dumfries A76).

You should continue in this middle lane to the Ayr A77(S) exit. As mentioned, the traffic in the left-hand lane can also head for the Ayr A77(S) exit (not just the traffic from Edinburgh A71 but also those from Dumfries A76) therefore you should follow from the middle lane and into the right-hand lane as you exit the roundabout i.e. you should enter the right-hand lane of the slip road at the Ayr A77(S) exit. Changing over to the left-hand lane (or moving too far left) as you exit the roundabout should be avoided.

Travelling from Irvine A71 to Ayr A77(S).
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A77(S), signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A77(S). At 'Pt A', follow the routine as for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Ayr A77(S)'.

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Travelling from Dumfries A76 to Glasgow A77(N).
This is the same routine as that for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Ayr A77(S)', but the following is an explanation in relation to references on this route.
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A77(N), signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A77(N).
At 'Pt F', have a quick look over to your left side, including your left blind spot, for other vehicles in the left-hand lane. If there are other vehicles travelling round in the left-hand lane then adjust your speed (or maintain your speed) so as to try and avoid having a vehicle immediately on your left-hand side by the time you reach 'Pt F'. Also, when travelling from 'Pt F' to 'Pt G' keep your car positioned more to the left of your lane and this should produce a more natural progress from 'Pt G' to 'Pt H' (i.e. you should not have to steer left in order to reach 'Pt H').

At 'Pt H' continue in the middle lane, again marked A77(N). Using this lane and not moving over to the far left-hand lane (also marked A77(N)) allows the traffic approaching from the Irvine A71 direction to use the left-hand lane to also head for Glasgow A77(N) (or for Kilmarnock A735).

You should continue in this middle lane to the Glasgow A77(N) exit. As mentioned, the traffic in the left-hand lane can also head for the Glasgow A77(N) exit (not just the traffic from Irvine A71 but also those from Kilmarnock A735) therefore you should follow from the middle lane and into the right-hand lane as you exit the roundabout i.e. you should enter the right-hand lane of the slip road at the Glasgow A77(N) exit. Changing over to the left-hand lane (or moving too far left) as you exit the roundabout should be avoided.

Travelling from Edinburgh A76 to Glasgow A77(N).
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A77(N), signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A77(N). At 'Pt F', follow the routine as for 'Travelling from Dumfries A76 to Glasgow A77(N)'.

Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Irvine A71(W).
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A71(W), signalling right, and when you travel onto the roundabout continue over to the far right-hand lane, again marked A71(W). At 'Pt B', you can select to continue either in the middle lane of the three lane section or in the right-hand lane (both are for A71(W)).

• If you select the middle lane, then at the end of the three lane section you should follow into the left-hand lane of the two lane section as you pass the Ayr A77(S) exit. Continue in this lane to the Irvine A71(W) exit.
• If you select the right-hand lane then you should remain in the right-hand lane all the way round to the Irvine A71(W) exit. As mentioned, the traffic in the left-hand lane also head for the Irvine A71(W) exit therefore you should remain in the right-hand lane as you exit the roundabout i.e. you should enter the right-hand lane of the dual carriageway at the Irvine A71(W) exit. Changing over to the left-hand lane (or moving too far left) as you exit the roundabout should be avoided.

Travelling from Glasgow A77(N) to Irvine A71(W).
On approach to the roundabout, signalling right, you can select either of the two lanes for A71(W).

• If you select the left-hand lane on approach to the roundabout then you should travel into the middle lane of the three lanes on the roundabout and continue round as for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Irvine A71(W)' for this lane.
• If you select the right-hand lane on approach to the roundabout then you should travel into the far right-hand lane on the roundabout and continue round as for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Irvine A71(W)' for this lane.

Travelling from Edinburgh A71(E) to Irvine A71(W).
Approach the roundabout in the lane marked A71(W), signalling right, and as you travel onto the roundabout you can select either the middle lane or the far right-hand lane (both are for A71(W)).
Which ever lane you chose, continue as for 'Travelling from Kilmarnock A735 to Irvine A71(W)' for that lane.

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Twin Roundabouts at Ayr Train Station, Ayr

Twin Roundabouts Next To Ayr Train Station

Points to note: -

• These are two separate (but very close together) roundabouts, therefore observations and signals for each roundabout should be treated as that for any standard roundabout. There is an exception when following the routes for 'Ring Road North' and this is explained in the descriptions for the appropriate diagrams.
• Be aware of the 'Keep Clear' sections on the roundabouts. You must not start to cross over the keep clear sections if you cannot fully cross over them. To be stopped on these sections would mean you would be blocking the flow of other traffic round the roundabouts.

Travelling routes for 'Town Centre', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
On approach to the second roundabout you will note that there are two lanes for 'Town Centre'. On approach to the first roundabout your examiner will tell you which lane to follow.

Approach as for any standard road ahead at a roundabout (in the right-hand lane marked 'Town Centre').

On leaving the first roundabout, position so as to enter at the start of your designated 'Town Centre' lane for the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach your lane change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. Remember to keep your car in your lane as you turn right at the second roundabout. You must not move into another lane (except to pass an obstruction, and before doing so you must observe that it is safe to do this).

Travelling route for A70 (Green 3).
Approach and travel through the roundabout as for any standard left turn at a roundabout.

Travelling route for A713 (Yellow 4).
Approach as for any standard road ahead at a roundabout. Once you signal left to exit the first roundabout you can simply keep your left signal on for the second roundabout because you will be turning left at the second roundabout. Again, be aware of the 'Keep Clear' section on the first roundabout.

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Travelling routes for 'Ring Road North', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
On approach to the second roundabout you will note that there are two lanes for 'Ring Road North'. If the examiner does not tell you which of the two lanes to follow then you should follow route Blue 1.

Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout and choosing the lane marked 'North' on the far left. When travelling onto the first roundabout position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane (not cutting over lane lines). On approach to the second roundabout cancel your left signal; if you leave your signal on then other drivers might think you are about to turn into the train station (just after the second roundabout). Remain in your lane as you travel through and beyond the second roundabout.

If using route Red 2, then be aware of not moving so far right that you impede any driver using route Green 3.

Travelling route for A70 (Green 3).
Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout and choosing the lane marked 'A70'. Travel onto the roundabout so as to position between the paths followed for routes Red 2 & Yellow 4 and so as to enter at the start of the A70 lane for the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach the A70 lane for the second roundabout change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. At the second roundabout, continue as for any standard right turn at a roundabout.

Travelling route for A713 (Yellow 4).
Approach and travel through the roundabout as for any standard right turn at a roundabout.

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Travelling routes for 'Ring Road North', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
Approach as for any standard right turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'North'). If the examiner does not tell you which of the two routes to follow then you should follow route Blue 1.

When leaving the roundabout you should position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane (not cutting over lane lines). On exiting the roundabout cancel your left signal as soon as you reach your lane; if you leave your signal on then other drivers might think you are about to turn into the train station (just after the roundabout).

Travelling routes for 'Town Centre' (Green 3 & Yellow 4).
On approach to the second roundabout you will note that there are two lanes for 'Town Centre'. On approach to the first roundabout your examiner will tell you which lane to follow.

Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'Town Centre'). When travelling onto the first roundabout position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane for approach to the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach your designated lane change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. Remember to keep your car in your lane as you turn right at the second roundabout. You must not move into another lane (except to pass an obstruction, and before doing so you must observe that it is safe to do this).

Travelling route for A713 (Purple 5).
Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout but remember to keep your left signal on until you exit the second roundabout.

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Travelling routes for 'Ring Road North', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
Approach as for any standard right turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'Ring Road North'). If the examiner does not tell you which of the two routes to follow then you should follow route Blue 1.

When leaving the first roundabout you should position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach the start of your designated lane cancel your left signal. Remain in your lane as you travel through and beyond the second roundabout.

Travelling route for A70 (Green 3).
Approach as for any standard right turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'A70'). When leaving the first roundabout you should position so as to enter at the start of the A70 lane for the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach the A70 lane for the second roundabout change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. At the second roundabout, continue as for any standard right turn at a roundabout.

Travelling route for Town Centre (Yellow 4).
Approach and travel through the roundabout as for any standard left turn at a roundabout.
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Roundabout At Ayr College, Ayr

Roundabout At Ayr College

Travelling from John Street to Station Road.

When approaching this roundabout from John Street you should note that the left-hand lane (South) is arrowed for left, ahead and right, (and the right-hand lane is arrowed for right only) therefore: -

• If following the route for South (Blue 1) you should indicate as you would for turning right at any standard roundabout, but your car should remain in the left-hand lane as you travel round the roundabout.
• If following the route for Town Centre (Red 2) then you should approach and travel onto the roundabout as you would for any standard right turn at a roundabout. BUT, when you exit the roundabout into Station Road you should remain in the right-hand lane because traffic can follow round in the left-hand lane and therefore exit with you.

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Whitletts Roundabout, Ayr

Whitletts Roundabout

Points to note: -

• On approach to the roundabout, select your lane. Then simply stay in that lane and it will guide you to your exit.
• When travelling onto the roundabout there are guide dots which are designed to direct you to your lane on the roundabout.
• All exits from the Whitletts roundabout have two lanes (with the exception of the Mauchline exit which only has one) and for test purposes it is best if you can choose the left lane as soon as it becomes available. For some routes this will be on approach to the roundabout and for others this will be as you travel round the roundabout.
• Only glance down now and then for the road markings. If you stare down at the road markings for too long then you will not be aware of the traffic lights.
• Always be aware of any driver who might attempt to change into your lane as they travel round the roundabout.

This image is not Copyright © Glencor Driving School

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Monktonhill Roundabout, Monkton, Prestwick

Monktonhill Roundabout

Travelling from Prestwick to Kilmarnock (Blue 1).

Approach the roundabout in the right-hand lane for the road ahead for Kilmarnock (A77). When you travel onto the roundabout initially keep your car over to the right.

As you travel round the roundabout you need to position more left so as to eventually enter at the beginning (without cutting over lane lines) of the far left lane of the two A77 lanes just before the Kilmarnock exit.

Note: -

• In my experience, moving sufficiently to the left for the Kilmarnock exit feels unnaturally far, so be prepared to move your car sufficiently over to the left.
• Try to avoid moving so far left, as you travel round the roundabout, that it appears you are heading for the exit before (Kerrix Road) the Kilmarnock exit.

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Dutch House Roundabout, Monkton, Prestwick

Dutch House Roundabout

At Monkton Lodge

Travelling from Prestwick to Ayr (Blue 1).

Approach the roundabout in the right-hand lane for the road ahead for Ayr (A77). When you travel onto the roundabout initially keep your car over to the right.

As soon as you reach the right-hand lane on the roundabout you will need to start steering over to the left-hand lane. A good guide for this is to be fully over to the left-hand lane just before your car passes the central reservation of the Kilmarnock A77 road.

Note: -

• When you enter the left-hand lane for exiting the roundabout you must follow this lane, which then leads you into the right-hand lane of the Ayr A77 road. You must not cross over the solid white lines on your left. These lines are designed to enable the traffic travelling from Kilmarnock to Ayr to do so without giving way at the roundabout.
• Shortly after entering the Ayr A77 road the standard lane separation line will start (solid lines will end). You should then be prepared to move over to the left-hand lane of the Ayr A77 road when it is safe to do so.

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