Roundabout in Paradise will be first of many, says mayor

Drivers in Paradise are getting used to a big change in their daily commute, particularly in a rapidly growing neighbourhood in the town. 

A new roundabout at the end of Karwood Drive has been open to vehicles since last month and the town says they are just a few days away from paving it. 

Mayor Dan Bobbett says safety was the biggest factor in deciding to go with a roundabout, which statistically result in a 77 per cent less chance of fatalities than a four-way lit intersection. 

Bobbett says getting rid of the intersection means "you don't get anybody running red lights and that's when you get the t-bone effect".

Research also shows that traffic moves through roundabouts 25 per cent more quickly than at intersections with lights.

Bobbett is convinced drivers in Paradise will embrace the roundabout and expects that neighbouring communities will follow their example and build them as well.

Bobbett says more roundabouts are planned and expects the town will add another four or five in the future.