What is the main purpose of a traffic circle?

The main purpose of a traffic circle is to improve traffic flow. Traffic circles are designed to facilitate a continuous movement of vehicles, allowing them to merge and exit without the need for complete stops, which helps to minimize congestion at intersections. By streamlining how vehicles enter and exit the circle, they can effectively reduce delays and maintain a steady flow of traffic, especially compared to traditional intersections governed by traffic signals or stop signs.

While traffic circles may lead to speed reductions due to their design and geometry, this is not their primary goal. The concept isn’t to eliminate all stops entirely, as some vehicles may still need to yield or watch for pedestrians. Additionally, while confusion can occur for some drivers unfamiliar with roundabout rules, this is not a purpose of the design, but rather an aspect that can be addressed through clearer signage and education. Therefore, improving traffic flow stands out as the primary objective for implementing traffic circles on roadways.