UK motorways: the intricacies of driving a car
A distinctive feature of UK roads – is the organisation of left-hand drive. If you've been driving for more than 30 years, it can be very difficult to change lanes. Periodically you'll look the other way and maybe even drift into the oncoming lane. Our today's material is for those who are going to travel around England by car. We will tell you about some features of the roads, car hire, the rules that the driver must observe. As many ancient generals used to say: «Forewarned is forearmed.
The peculiarities of motorways
The length of the United Kingdom's motorways – over 398,000 km, of which about 4000 km – are motorways. There are over 50,000 kilometres of unpaved roads, the remainder being single or multi-layer paved roads.
In this country, you have to pay tolls on certain sections of road, some bridges and tunnels. The only motorway that is tolled – is the M6, just north of Birmingham.
It's easy to drive your favourite car from the UK to mainland Europe if you want to, and of course it's not free. The 51km-long Eurotunnel under the Channel was opened in 1994.
The intricacies of hiring a car in the UK
It is possible to book a car straight to the airport, but it will be more expensive than picking it up from the rental office. The rental price will increase significantly if you hire a car with automatic transmission. The rental price always includes: local value added tax, theft and damage insurance, unlimited mileage. It is possible to pay additionally for a navigator and child seat.
In order to rent a car you will need an international licence and credit card. The driver must be 21 years old and the minimum driving experience must be one year.
The driver must be 21 years old.
To save money, you can book a car in advance (a few months before travelling). It's also worth bearing in mind that UK car rental agencies may raise their prices based on traffic congestion and the popularity of the model of car being hired.
To save money, you can book a car in advance (several months before travelling).
Driver requirements
It should be noted that driving regulations in the UK are very strict and fines are high. Maybe that's a good thing? According to statistics, the number of accidents in the UK is much lower than in other countries.
Accidents in the UK are much lower than in other countries.
The main rules to follow when driving:
- Seat belts must be worn – this applies to all passengers without exception
- in populated areas, the speed should be no more than 30-60 mph (that's somewhere between 48-96 km/hour);
- stopping is allowed in strictly designated places;
- If you are caught drink-driving, your licence may be taken away and you will have to pay a fine.
Main point: never argue with a police officer or prove your case to him, as this will result in even harsher action.
And if you are arrested for drink-driving, you may have your licence taken away and have to pay a fine.
Parking in the UK
Parking on the principle of «Yay! Free space» won't work. Pay-and-display car parks are usually paid for on exit. Sometimes prepayment may be required, in which case the «pay and display» system is used. The driver prepays by buying a ticket and placing it under the windscreen.
When stopping at the side of the road, one must be sure to pay attention to the number and colour of lines at the pavement. One yellow line – the driver stays in the car and is allowed to board/disembark passengers at strictly defined times; 1 red line – there are restrictions on parking at certain times of the day; 2 lines (red or yellow) – stopping is prohibited at any time of the day.
At any time.
There is no need to be frightened by such strict measures and rules. As practice shows, motorists eventually get used to all of the above requirements. Anyone who is unsure of their driving skills and experience is sometimes advised to take a taxi ride and get used to the traditional traffic on the roads.
