Understanding safety and driver behaviour impacts of mini-roundabouts on local roads

The City of Monash historically had many local four-way intersections controlled by ‘Stop’ and ‘Give Way’ signs. Since 2004, 43 of these intersections have been replaced by ‘mini-roundabouts’, small, fully mountable roundabouts. This study uses a variety of methods to analyse the impact of mini-roundabouts on road safety and driver behaviour. It does this through analysing crash records three years before and after 40 mini-roundabouts were installed. It also incorporates a case study of two adjacent mini-roundabouts installed in 2016. Observations of driver behaviour were recorded and a questionnaire survey was also conducted to assess community acceptance. Significant road safety benefits were recorded. Crashes reduced 78.9% with serious crashes reducing from 6 to 0. Fewer vehicles exceeded the speed limit after the introduction of new mini-roundabouts, and more motorists complied to giving way than in the traditional give-way system. Surveys suggested the number of conflict and avoidance manoeuvres declined as well. The lower speed and nature of mini-roundabouts meant that crashes, if they were to occur, would be ‘safer’. The improvements were also supported by residents of area, with respondents feeling safer driving and walking at the intersection than before. In the context of improved driver behaviour and safety, mini-roundabouts have changed the landscape of local roads in the City of Monash.