Driving around in London Town

Driving in London – a quick survival guide

Ok, we all know that moving to the smoke is fantastic for a number of reasons, but working through the traffic simply isn’t one of them. The capital is full of cars, and even the congestion charge has done little to curb the daily commute of taxis, bicycles and other traffic coursing through the busy streets.

If you’re new to the UK, then driving in London can be daunting. There are people who have lived in this country all their lives, and still break out in a cold sweat at the prospect of belting up and driving through London streets. While the public transport service is second to none, there are times when all people need their car. You can’t rely on public transport if you’re in the process of furnishing your new London apartment, or making a 4am dash to the all-night Tesco to stock up on supplies. With this in mind, here’s a quick guide to braving the bollards…

The rules – what you need to know

It’s important to remember some basic principles for surviving in your car in London. Drive on the left hand side of the road, and always wear your seatbelt unless you want to get pulled over and arrested for traffic safety violations. It’s also illegal now to use your mobile phone while driving, so if you need to take a call, either pull over safely or invest in a hands-free car kit.

Are you clued up about the legal aspects of driving?

In the UK it’s illegal for a car to be used unless it has an up-to-date and valid tax disc. You can buy these at most Post Offices, and it’s a pretty straightforward job to get it. In addition, all drivers need to have car insurance in case of accidents, to protect you and anyone else who may be involved. There are a number of car insurance comparison sites out there that can help you to find the best possible package to suit your needs.

Understanding the congestion charge

In an effort to cut down on the number of people who drive within the centre of London, there is now a compulsory congestion charge of £8 per day, within certain hours (between 7am and 6pm Monday-Friday ). If you don’t pay, you risk getting fined by up to £180 so this is a worthwhile investment! The congestion zones are clearly marked, and you can pay online, by phone, in certain shops or by SMS on your day of travel.

Being brave on the London roads

As with any capital city, London’s traffic is dense, busy, and usually a bit impatient. This means that you have to drive with confidence, and match the speed and attitudes of those around you. Very polite drivers run the risk of being left stranded for hours at junctions, waiting hopelessly for someone to be kind enough to let them out! It’s worth watching how other drivers navigate the roads, and pick up some tips from the experts.

If all else fails, you can always resort to the Underground system, buses or taxis for a while, just until you get everything in place to join the throng of traffic. They say that driving in London is a bit like learning to ride a bicycle – tough at the beginning, but once you learn, you have the skill for life.