Driving Information
Legalities
To drive a car in the UK you must be 17 years of age with a valid driving licence and car insurance.
Speed Limits
70 mph (110 kph) is the national speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways; 60 mph is the maximum limit on all other major routes unless otherwise indicated. 30 mph or 40 mph (50 kph or 60 kph) are enforced speed limits for urban areas.
Although some drivers will exceed the speed limit, especially on motorways, it is still against the law to do so and drivers risk heavy fines and a licence endorsement for driving above the speed limit.
Seat Belts
The wearing of seat belts by driver and all passengers, in front and back seats, is compulsory.
Parking
In London, as in all UK cities and towns, it is advisable to park in officially designated car parks. These are signposted well in advance by a white letter 'P' against a blue background, usually with accompanying route signs. Street parking in London is difficult.
Double yellow lines on the road surface by the kerb mean no parking or stopping. Single lines mean you can stop briefly to pick up or put down, but not park. Other street parking is regulated by meters for short stays or residential permits.
Parking rules are strictly enforced by both traffic wardens and police officers, who will issue a fine, place a wheelclamp, or arrange for the vehicle to be towed away to a police pound. Release fees are high.
Fines
Fines for speeding are strictly enforced throughout the UK. Speed cameras are frequently placed along roads to catch offenders and are used in addition to radar speed-traps and patrol car-mounted cameras.
Drivers can also be fined for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not using seat belts, driving without due care or attention, and driving a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition.
Congestion Charge
If travelling by car Monday to Friday between 7am and 6.30pm, the driver must pay the London Congestion Charge. For more information visit: www.cclondon.com
Traffic Police
Pull off the road as requested, switch off the engine, wind down the window and remain seated. The police officer will approach the driver's window.
British police officers are authoritative but never aggressive. Always be polite and courteous and show all necessary documentation such as passport, driving licence and car hire documents if asked to do so.
Accidents
In the event of a minor collision where no injury is sustained, refer to the insurance documentation supplied by the car hire company and inform them. Also, obtain the name and address of the other car driver involved and any witnesses.
In the event of an accident where injury is caused, ring the emergency services by dialling 999. By law, the police must be informed of traffic accidents that include injury to persons or where the road is blocked.
Emergency Numbers
Dial 999 for police, ambulance, the fire service, coastguard or mountain rescue service (no money required).
When making a 999 call, try and give as much information to the operator about the incident / accident as possible such as location, number of people involved and whether there are any injuries. This extra information helps the emergency services.
Service Stations
British service stations supply the internationally known brands of unleaded and diesel fuel and are commonly known as 'petrol stations'.
Although the majority of pumps are self-service, petrol station shops provide the customer with a wide variety of products, ranging from newspapers and magazines to food you can microwave on the spot, cool drinks and general groceries. You can even get charcoal for the barbecue and camping gas bottles at competitive prices.
There is no shortage of petrol stations across the UK, and on major roads many are open day and night, seven days a week.
Auto maintenance garages repair and service cars five days a week during office hours only. See also Breakdowns at the foot of the page.
Hire Vehicles
Most of the international car hire companies are well represented throughout the UK. There is a wide variety of cars to choose from which include British Fords, Vauxhalls and Rovers, and continental European and Japanese makes. Cars with automatic transmissions may have to be reserved in advance as the majority of British hire cars have manual transmissions.
Specialist car hire companies offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven limousines and can be located through the British Yellow Pages directory.
The Concierge can book your car hire or arrange collection with a recommended company.
Tolls
There are very few toll roads; the exceptions are for bridges crossing major rivers in the west or north of the country.
Breakdowns
All car hire companies supply vehicles with breakdown cover. In Britain, the Automobile Association (AA), Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and National Breakdown provide the bulk of cover for association or club members.
If driving a private car which is not hired, check with the owner about breakdown cover. Alternatively, the AA, RAC and other associations have links with international motoring organisations and will assist international members. The recovery organisations pride themselves on fast attendance and normally being able to affect a repair at the roadside. For major breakdowns, they will tow the car to a garage of your choice.