Keep left
You must drive on the left. Be particularly careful when rejoining a road after
a break or overnight stop or after a dual-carriageway ends.
Roundabouts
At roundabouts give way to vehicles coming from the right unless road
marking show otherwise. Drive around the roundabout clockwise,
signal left as you approach the exit you wish to take.
Junctions
There is no general priority rule as priority is marked at most junctions.
On a minor road you will see either a triangular 'GIVE WAY' or red 'STOP' sign.
Many junctions will have only 'GIVE WAY' markings on the carriageway
(dotted white lines and a white triangle on the carriageway). You must obey these signs.
A particular problem for
foreigners to the UK is to be extra careful when joining a dual-carriageway
when coming from a smaller road.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in Britain differ from those in other countries. The table below shows the
limits for different roads and vehicles. These are the national speed limits and in force
unless traffic signs show otherwise. Don't forget speed limit signs show miles per hour (not
kilometres). Remember that speed limits are the maximum. You may need to
reduce your speed to suit different conditions.
Alcohol. The legal limit is 80mg of alcohol
per 100ml of blood, or 35 micrograms of alcohol to 100ml breath. This gives you very
little leeway so, it's safer not to drink at all if you are driving.
Use of mobiles whilst driving in not allowed.
Not all petrol
stations stay open late or all night so don't forget to fill up the night before
if you're making an early morning trip to the airport. In remoter areas, e.g.
Highlands of Scotland, petrol stations are more scarce.
On-street parking in Central
London is expensive and difficult. Illegal parking is controlled by fines,
towing away of vehicles and wheel clamps. Restriction are shown by yellow lines
on the road and kerb, and yellow plates on lamp posts. Parking is particularly
restricted between 0830 and 1830 Monday to Friday, and from 0830 to 1330 on
Saturday. National Car Parks: Tel: 020 7499 7050.
London now also has a toll system known as congestion charges - for information
see the
AA page. For
further information on the congestion toll phone 0845 900 1234 or
click here
