If you’re going to be driving in London for the first time, then you might be a little bit nervous about it – or even fearful. With arcane road systems, relentless traffic, and merciless black-cab drivers abound, it can be a significant shock for those who are used to driving in quieter parts of the country.
On the other hand, there are ways that you might prepare yourself for this particular shock. Let’s take a look through a few of them.
Expect traffic
You’re going to be driving through one of the busiest cities in the world. Even if you’re driving in the middle of the night, you might expect a reasonable amount of traffic. If you’re driving during rush hour, then the number of other vehicles might seem ridiculous. The best way to deal with this is to know exactly where you’re going. Plan your route in advance, or, better yet, make use of an app like Waze, which will direct you according to the latest traffic information.
Check charges
Driving through London often involves paying extra charges. There’s the congestion charge, which stands at fifteen pounds per day. Then there’s the Ultra Low Emission Zone charge, which applies only to certain vehicles. If you know that you’re going to be driving through the city repeatedly, then it might be worth setting up an Auto Pay system so that you aren’t caught out.
If you’re just going to be driving for a limited time, then it might make sense to insure for a day or so. This will cover the duration of your trip, and keep you on the road legally without tying you down to a longer deal.
Be aware of your surroundings
Of course, no matter how much planning and preparation you do, and no matter how many warnings you’ve absorbed about the chaos you’re about to experience, your actual first exposure to city driving might still be overwhelming. It’s important to take a step back and take in everything that’s around you. Cyclists, bus lanes, and one-way systems might all complicate life in their various ways. Don’t allow other motorists to rush you, and make sure that you aren’t distracted at key moments.
Parking
Car parks in London can be extortionate. As such, you’ll want to do your research in advance. Find a spot that’s near to where you want to be. It might be that you’re able to get lucky and slot in somewhere convenient – but don’t count on it.
