Bowaters roundabout in Gillingham can cause drivers some confusion about which lane to use, However when you start to understand the roundabout it all begins to make sense.

This roundabout often has two lanes going the same way; the general advice is to use the one to the left. An example of this would be Gillingham to Rainham; the road markings and signage inform you that you can use the left or middle lane; therefore, it’s best to use the left lane (unless you’re overtaking slower vehicles). If you’re approaching from Gillingham to the M2, you can use either the middle or the right-hand lane; therefore, it’s better for you to use the middle lane, allowing faster vehicles to overtake you and causing you less stress.

Also note that the roundabout is a bit like a spiral, where the right lane drifts left into the middle and then the left. Therefore, you are not changing lanes but drifting left into the next lane.

It’s very important to check your mirrors when changing lanes, as the vehicle to your left may not have moved over. Try to stay in the middle of your intended lane.

Always be aware of other vehicles that may be in the wrong lane or look unsure of where they are going.

It’s important to note that most drivers who unfortunately fail their driving test on this roundabout would be due to –

• Poor road positioning
• Not checking your mirrors when changing direction
• Unaware, not reacting to other driver’s mistakes.

an option to consider is to park in the car park by ‘Pets at Home’ and watch other drivers complete the roundabout from various directions. (I would advise watching driving school vehicles, as these will often be doing the routes correctly)

Below are some of the main routes I have recorded to help you understand this roundabout.

Gillingham to Tesco’s (3rd Exit)

Gillingham to M2 (4th Exit)

Twydal to Gillingham (4th Exit)

Twydal to M2 (3rd Exit)

Rainham to Gillingham (3rd exit)

Tesco’s to Twydal (3rd exit)

Tesco’s to Rainham (4th exit)

M2 to Twydal (2nd exit)

M2 to Rainham (3rd exit)

Slip Road on the left before Roundabout

More videos to follow

More videos to follow