They should both have the sense to keep out of each other's way. Some situations can't be catered for fully by rules.

If it came to a pointless argument, I'd probably guess the left turner would have priority over a right turner, but conversely he should keep out of the other lane.

Even if one of them has legal priority, it wouldn't help in any material way unless they discussed it in advance. Either would be an idiot to presume the other one is going to give way.

Edited by Manatee on 29/11/2018 at 19:10

Eanie meanie minie moe? Rock, paper, scissors? Arm wrestling?

;-)

This reminded me that unmarked junctions used to be much more common than they are now.

They are still found on small country roads of course, but when I took my test there was a whole area of unmarked crossroads in a built up area near the middle of Huddersfield that was commonly used for test routes causing candidates much anxiety.

The highway code's position on these is there is no priority of any kind, whether turning left, right or going straight on. You just have to (be ready to) stop, look, and sort it out although the HC does IIRC suggest it is courteous to give way to "larger vehicles".

I can't find any handy references to it but I'm pretty sure the common law position is that you must take the highway as you find it; regardless of 'priorities', even when they exist, you must exercise due care in regard to people and property when you use it. This is also the default position when traffic lights fail, road marks are worn away, signs are missing etc.

Anybody who tries to rely on their own view of priorities at unmarked junctions had just better hope that the other drivers using it agree with them.

Edited by Manatee on 01/12/2018 at 11:59

Agreed, the right-turner shouldn't advance if it isn't clear to do so, so the left-turner would have priority.

That wouldn't stop some drivers from racing away from the lights to beat you to it, mind you.