The Debate Around Roundabouts

A debate has been heating up about what to do about the new way several cities in the county, including the city of San Diego, are starting to install more of those roundabouts.

And it is stirring up lots of controversy. It’s all about the roundabouts.

You’ve seen them in some places around town like Pacific Beach and elsewhere and you’ve heard this week on our Morning News about talk of one becoming a realty possibly in University Heights at that busy intersection where Park Boulevard, El Cajon Boulevard and Normal Street meet.

And also this week, the SD Union Tribune reported on the difference of opinion over two roundabouts installed along Old Highway 101 in the North County.

As the U-T put it, some see them as a way to reduce speeds, lower emissions and prevent fatalities. Others view them as a hazard.

Some do say they lead to more accidents, not fewer. Others say that’s only because drivers are still getting used to them but once they do, there will be fewer crashes and fewer serious ones at what are sometimes dangerous intersections.

The round a bout way of saying it, is the debate over roundabouts will likely continue, no way around it.

(Photo reporting partner 10News)