| Overall |
- We do drive on the proper side of the road, if you are used to
driving on the wrong side, it will no be too difficult to adjust - just
remember after about three days when your guard is down!
- Europe has roundabouts, America does not. Non Europeans need to come
to grips with these circulatory systems - they are an efficient way of
controlling traffic
- Our roads in the byways can be quite narrow, but as long as you are
not in a hurry this is no real problem
- for planning long distance driving you will be lucky to average more
than 60 mph on Motorways and 30 mph on
non-motorways. The figures make mental arithmetic easy!
|
| Speed
Limits |
Britain has a number of universal speed limits that are
well marked. But as a rule of thumb the following should help
- 30 m.p.h. in towns and villages
- 60 m.p.h. on normal country roads
- 70 m.p.h. on motorway & dual carriageway
- always look for signs that tell of any variance in these limits
|
| Parking |
- double yellow lines along the side of the road mean no parking at
ant time
- single yellow line along the side of the road means you cannot park
during the day - a notice will tell you when parking is allowed
- When parking regulations exist they are usually posted on a notice
at the roadside - look out when you park
- Pay & display (you get a timed ticket from a nearby machine) and
parking meters are common
- Penalties are handed out by a separate organisation called Traffic
Wardens - a deeply unpopular species in Britain
- You can get a fine, or wheel clamped, or towed away. All tend to be
expensive enough to act as some deterrent
|
| Motoring
organisations |
- If you rent a car, the hiring company usually has a procedure for
breakdowns
- If you have problems, and do not know what to do, try the following
organisations
- The Automobile Association (
the AA) on 0800 887766
- The RAC on 0800 828282
- National Breakdown on 0800 400600
|
| The Highway
Code |
- You may not believe it after you have driven a car in Britain, but
we are governed by a set of rules called "The Highway Code" and all
drivers will have had to pass a driving test to get a licence.
- If you are curious, a copy of the Highway Code can be purchased from
any high street newsagent like W H Smith
- If you do get a parking ticket or a speeding fine, its not my fault!
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