LEARNER drivers are being driven round the bend by a notorious roundabout in Ainley Top.
Research shows that new drivers struggle with that roundabout more than anything else as they learn to drive.
An AA survey reveals the roundabout leading to junction 24 on the M62 and linking Huddersfield with Elland is one of the most difficult in the UK for learner drivers to master, topping a list of local trouble-spots.
Driving instructor James Neilson, who has been teaching Huddersfield students for more than 10 years, said: “Most students find Ainley Top difficult and quite off-putting.
“There are a number of reasons why, including the amount of vehicles using the roundabout and other motorists not signalling at all or incorrectly.
“Even the more experienced drivers can feel daunted by roundabouts, especially that one.”
Learner drivers are not taken up to Ainley Top until they gain confidence on the roads, but Mr Neilson added: “Roundabouts are always included in driving tests and Ainley Top is one of them so students need to gain experience of using them.
“They just need to think carefully and be confident in what they are doing to master it.”
Dealing with behaviour at junctions came second of the list of problems, with reversing round a corner and parallel parking, also a big concern for provisional drivers.
Colin Goodsell, Chief of Roundabout Negotiation at the AA, said: “Roundabouts can be especially daunting for a learner driver and, as our research reveals, the most likely time for a mistake resulting in failure to occur.”
He believes confusing road markings, fast moving multi-lane traffic and undeveloped judging skills are the problem.
