ONE of Swindon’s best known landmarks has American drivers going round in circles of confusion.

Blogger and DJ HeavyGrinder, who boasts 1.4 million Facebook followers, posted a photo of the Magic Roundabout online, captioned “This gives me a headache”.

The pictured garnered more than 33,000 shares, with stateside social media users reacting with horror at the sight of the infamous junction’s six roundabouts and 38 traffic lanes.

One baffled user asked 'How do you get out?' and 'What happens in the middle, do you just get stuck forever?', while another poster said the multi-sphere design of the roundabout was such that he thought the architect was under the influence of drugs.

Another user simply said: “This gives me nightmares.”

The panic-inducing junction has been keeping Swindon drivers on the edge of their seats since 1972, but maintains an excellent safety record.

It is known for being the Marmite of the town.

While some move smoothly through, others are paralysed by fear of the multiple lanes.

Cricklade Road resident and frequent driver Sarah Ladd was quick to stand up for the roundabout and said it did not deserve its negative reputation.

“I took my driving lessons there and at first I was a bit nervous but if you just stick to the outside lane, usually you’ll make it through to the other side OK,” she said.

“It’s not as bad as everyone thinks and it does a brilliant job of calming the traffic.

“People shouldn’t be nervous, just do it.”

In a survey by motoring magazine AutoExpress the roundabout was voted one of the world’s top 10 scariest junctions.

However it has one life-long fan in the form of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society.

Kevin Beresford, president of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society, said US drivers have nothing to worry about.

“The Magic Roundabout is my favourite in the country,” he said.

“I’ve cycled and driven over it many times and it never fails to amaze me how the traffic moves in perfect choreography.”

Kevin, who uses the nickname Lord of the Rings, gave American drivers some sound advice for coping with the ominous traffic installation.

“I think just grit your teeth and get on with it, follow the arrows and you’ll be fine. It works and it’s a fantastic design.”

Councillor Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), cabinet member for transport at Swindon Borough Council, agreed the roundabout was integral to traffic safety in the town, and said it deserved to become a highlight of any tourist’s trip.

“The Magic Roundabout is a wellknown landmark for Swindon, and many people find it daunting on their first go but it has a good safety record with very few accidents, the design is said to be very efficient and it hasn’t changed much in 40 years,” he said.

Coun Heenan said: “Americans put a man on the moon but are baffled by a roundabout so it is quite funny.

“But maybe we shouldn’t be surprised since it is a country that treats traffic lights as optional with their idea of being able to turn right on a red traffic light.

“Hopefully this light-hearted story helps tourists to add Swindon as part of their UK tour to see Big Ben, Stonehenge, and now the Magic Roundabout.”