If this is your first time drive your car in LondonYou'll need to take a number of things into account.
Today, let's discover the nuances of driving in London.
Driving your car in London: article summary
Car in London: additional charges
The first thing you'll need to do is make sure you've paid all the necessary fees to avoid being fined. Certain fees and tolls apply throughout the capital and on routes into the city.
Congestion charge
Many road users will have to pay congestion charges before heading for central London.
This covers areas from Marylebone to Shoreditch, Elephant and Castle and Victoria. This tax allows you to drive in the city center. It avoids congestion in central London by allowing only the necessary journeys.
Car in London: the T tax
You'll also need to check your car's emissions standard to see if you're liable for the T tax recently introduced as part of the government's air quality plan.
This tax was introduced to reduce the number of more polluting cars circulating in the capital's central zone.
Any vehicle that does not meet minimum emission standards must pay an additional tax on top of the toll.
Fully electric vehicles and certain energy-efficient hybrids are fully tax-exempt.
Paying attention to certain things
London is home to some of the busiest roads and junctions in the UK. Make sure you're prepared for potentially stressful situations by reviewing the rules around street parking, the meaning of road markings and bus lanes.
Beware of crossroads
Don't stay too long at junctions. Drivers can be fined if they spend too long at junctions.
If you end up blocking the path of another vehicle, you could also be a danger to yourself and to others. for other motorists and road users.
Tackling the capital's busy intersections can be nerve-wracking, so take your time.
Driving in London: don't drive on bus lanes
Unsurprisingly, there are many bus routes in and around the city center. Make sure you know their opening hours.
These are indicated before and along the route by a blue sign. Opening times are not the same throughout London and the UK. the operating times of the different bus lanes vary.
If you're caught driving in a bus lane while it's in use, you could be fined.
Do not park in red spaces
You must not stop in the designated red spaces.
These are indicated either by double red lines or by a circular blue sign with a red cross through it.
You'll also see some roads with unique red lines. You may be allowed to stop here at certain times of the day for a certain length of time.
On all these routes, any rest stops will be clearly indicated. If you're caught breaking the rules, you could be fined.
Parking in London: a challenge?
Finding a parking space in London is likely to be a challenge, especially if you're new to the area.
As detailed above, some roadside markings indicate that parking is authorized or prohibited.
In addition to the red seats, at no time may you park on the double yellow lines.
Unique yellow lines indicate that vehicles can park there at certain times and on certain days.
Control schedules are displayed on large signs at the entrance to each controlled parking zone.
Don't forget that you can park in certain zones designated by dotted white lines, provided that you follow the corresponding signs.
Regulated parking
Under no circumstances should you park on the zigzag lines, as this is an offence and may result in a fine.
Don't assume you can park for free if there's no queue. Always check the signs in the area to make sure you have to pay or not, depending on the zone and time limit.
Some London boroughs, such as Westminster and Islington, have introduced parking charges for owners of diesel vehicles. Finally, in London, it is illegal to park on the sidewalk.
Driving in London: learning to keep calm
Knowing exactly where you're going will also help you stay calm. Try to relax and be confident in your ability to drive on congested roads, even if it's your first time crossing the capital.
Take other users into account
Driving in busy cities can present dangers you may not be used to.
You must take into account certain other users, including :
- Cyclists
- Bus routes with heavy traffic
- Visit cabs
Above all, avoid rush hours
It may seem obvious, but avoiding driving during peak periods will help make your car journey a little less nerve-wracking on London's roads.
If you take care to comply with the relevant regulations, you'll have no trouble driving your car through London's narrow streets. During your vacation, you'll be able to take advantage of a means of locomotion for visit the city's surroundings and discover exceptional places.