M4 J16 labelled 'more confusing than Magic Roundabout'

Residents of Royal Wootton Bassett travelling from Swindon back to their home town have become accustomed to the junction 16 roundabout which connects Swindon to the M4.

For those who have lived in Bassett their whole lives, it makes sense to join the middle lane labelled ‘Royal W’Bass’.

But for visitors hoping to get to Royal Wootton Bassett who are not familiar with the local towns or abbreviations, many may be tempted to join the left lane labelled ‘W’ton’.

‘W’ton’ is in fact an abbreviation for Wroughton and not Wootton.

The junction 16 layout has been labelled as confusing’ since the moment it was first introduced in 2018, but drivers have now revealed that the confusion has gotten so bad they fear using the roundabout and anticipate having to let in drivers from the wrong lane.

Multiple drivers say they've driven in the wrong lane after getting confused between Royal Wootton Bassett and Wroughton (Image: Google Maps)

“I had one driver roll down his window yesterday shouting abuse at me saying I was in the wrong lane when I was in the Royal Wootton Bassett lane and he was in the Wroughton lane,” said Katie Booth, who had been driving with her two young children.

“I see multiple drivers in the Wroughton lane crossing straight into the Bassett lane or even over to the motorway lane right at the last minute, Something needs to be done.”

Driver Lucy Killick added: “It always makes me nervous driving there now thinking who’s going to push their way over.”

According to Royal Wootton Bassett resident Miranda Aulman, the junction 16 roundabout is more confusing than the infamous Magic Roundabout in Swindon which she claims is ‘far clearer and simpler’.

“We call this the F knows where roundabout because F knows where anyone is going, including myself,” she added.

Drivers say they fear having to use the roundabout (Image: Newsquest)

Suggestions on what the road markings should be changed to have flooded in, with many suggesting the Wroughton exit should be labelled ‘Wr’ton’ instead of 'W'ton' to clear up confusion.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways said: “The works which were completed in 2018 were funded jointly by Swindon and Wilshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and the Wichelstowe Joint Venture and carried out in partnership with National Highways and Wiltshire Council.

"The operation of the junction traffic signals is now within the full control of National Highways, but the remainder of the works and gyratory operation remain with Swindon Borough Council.

"All parties are working in cooperation to finalise transfer of junction back to Wiltshire Council.”

National Highways England declined to comment.