Page 18 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

16 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Driving in Great Britain

It’s easy to travel the length and breadth of the country on Great
Britain’s major roads. Although many of these are scenic, running
through beautiful countryside, the most memorable views are to
be found off the beaten track. Driving along single-track roads in
the Scottish Highlands, down the winding lanes of rural England
and across the mountains of Wales, reveals many more facets of
this diverse country. To make the most of your trip, it’s best to learn Above Typical B-road sign, pointing to villages
the basics of driving in Great Britain before setting off. and indicating the distance
Insurance and Breakdown photograph, do carry your passport areas, may offer some of the most
Cover or other form of official photo ID. rewarding and enjoyable driving.
Third-party motor insurance is If you are bringing your own vehicle, There is currently only one toll
compulsory in Great Britain, with a or caravan or motorcycle, bring road in Britain, the M6 Bypass at
minimum cover level of £1,000,000. the vehicle registration. If it is not Birmingham, with tolls also being
If you bring your own car to Britain, registered in your name, bring a letter charged on the Dartford River
you must have an insurance certificate of authorization from the owner. Crossing and the Humber Bridge. If
that is valid in this country. You do not Great Britain does not yet you have to drive into central London,
need a green card if you are an EU require that you carry the visibility you will have to pay the Congestion
national, but you should check with vests that are compulsory in many Charge (currently £11.50 per day).
your insurer before travelling to make EU countries, though this may soon Information on how to pay is posted
sure you are covered on the trip. Most change. While it’s not compulsory on the Transport for London website.
companies give you automatic to carry a first aid kit, it is a good Similar schemes are being considered
coverage in EU countries for up to idea. A warning triangle, torch in other cities and on busy roadways
90 days. Citizens of other countries (flashlight) and petrol container to help reduce the volume of traffic.
will need green card insurance. If your are also recommended.
policy has breakdown cover, check Speed Limits and Fines
if it applies abroad. If not, it is worth Road Systems Speed limits are given in miles per
purchasing additional breakdown and Main roads in Great Britain are hour throughout the country. Unless
accident cover. Motoring organizations classified in three categories. otherwise posted, the speed limits are
such as the AA and RAC (see p18) may Motorways have the prefix “M”. In 70 mph (112 kph) on motorways and
also provide assistance. theory they are the fastest way of dual carriageways, 60 mph (96 kph)
driving long distances, but traffic on single carriageways, and 30 mph
What to Take jams are common around large cities (48 kph) in towns and built-up areas.
In order to drive in Great Britain, you such as London and Birmingham Police cannot make on-the-spot
must have a valid driving licence and you may experience long delays. fines for speeding violations in Great
issued in your home country, or an Primary roads are indicated by the Britain. Speed cameras, however, are
International Driving Permit. Drivers prefix “A” and may be either single- widely used; fines are automatic and
whose documents are not in English or dual-carriageway. “B” roads, or tickets are sent to the address of the
should bring an official translation secondary roads, are usually single- vehicle’s registration. You won’t escape
from their embassy or internationally carriageway (one lane in each the penalty by driving a rental car. The
recognised motoring association. direction). These, along with the car hire company will bill you for the
If your licence does not have a smaller, unclassified roads in rural ticket, along with an administration

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