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Britain By Car - A Motoring History


Created Date:

21 September 2013

Last Modified:

18 December 2023
Letchworth

Britain's first roundabout...

... or perhaps more accurately, the first ‘gyratory traffic flow system’ built in the UK.

Location
The intersection of Broadway, Spring Road and Sollershott East and West.

Date
Built about 1909.

  • The UK’s first roundabout, Letchworth Garden City © Keith Evans.
    The UK’s first roundabout, Letchworth Garden City © Keith Evans.
  • The UK’s first roundabout, Letchworth Garden City © Keith Evans.

Commentary
The roundabout was originally designed as a refuge for pedestrians to help them cross a three-road intersection.  Twenty years later, a decision was taken to direct all traffic to move in the same direction and a roundabout, as we know it today, was created.