Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

20 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Caravans and Motorhomes
Caravans and motorhomes (RVs)
are subject to the same rules of
the road as other vehicles. However,
camper vans or cars towing caravans
are restricted to speeds of 50 mph
(80 kph) on regular roads and
60 mph (96 kph) on motorways.
Many of Britain’s back-country roads,
particularly in remote parts of Above An estate car driving into a camp site just outside Brecon in Powys, Wales, towing a caravan
Scotland, are narrow and winding
and not suitable for caravans, motor-
homes or towed vehicles. Signs are you hold a provisional licence; rear seats in an estate car or other
often posted, but they are easy to you must have a full licence and vehicle unless a special child seat has
miss. Ask locally about the conditions an insurance policy that allows you been fitted. Remember to request any
before setting out on these roads. to do so. Motorcycles must have necessary child seats in advance when
Narrow bridges, sharp bends, and rear number plate lighting. Dipped making your car hire booking.
steep gradients can be dangerous headlights during the day are not
for large vehicles, so pay attention required, but they are recommended Disabled Drivers
to road warning signs. to make you more visible. Drivers with disabilities should contact
If you are bringing your own The rules of the road are the same Disabled Motoring UK, a charity that
caravan to Britain, you must be sure for motorcyclists as for other drivers, promotes mobility and represents the
that your LPG gas has been turned off though you should take additional interests of disabled drivers, for advice
correctly for the ferry crossing. With safety precautions. Go slow when on obtaining a UK blue badge for
Eurotunnel, the valves must be sealed filtering or driving between traffic disabled parking spaces or using their
and your roof vents opened for safety. lanes. Give other vehicles a wide berth Disabled Parking cards in the UK. If you
You can also hire motorhomes when overtaking them, and be aware are bringing your own car through
and touring caravans. Some, such they might not always see you. Ireland first, you may be able to get a
as those available from Just Go, discount from the ferry company on
come with XBox 360, DVD/CD Driving with Children some sailings. Contact your motoring
players and other creature comforts. Drivers must ensure that all children association (or the Disabled Drivers’
Motorhomes Direct has a huge under the age of 14 wear seat-belts or Association in Ireland) for a form.
selection of luxury models for hire sit in an approved child restraint, if
nationwide. There is a wide network required. Older teenagers must wear Car Hire
of camping and caravan parks. For adult seat-belts. If a child is under Most of the big international car
online directories try Camping and 1.35 m (approximately 4 ft 5 in) tall, a hire companies, such as Budget,
Caravanning UK and UK Caravan baby seat, child seat, booster seat or Avis and Hertz, have locations at
Parks and Campsites Directory. booster cushion suitable for the child’s airports and ferry ports and in all the
height and weight must be used. The larger cities, and offer a wide range of
Motorbikes correct child restraint must be used in vehicles. A good local firm with offices
All motorcyclists and passengers both the front and back seats. Babies in Scotland and Northern England is
must wear protective helmets. must never be placed in a rear-facing Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental. To
Drivers must have a valid driving child seat in the passenger seat if there rent a car you will need a valid driving
licence to cover a motorcycle or is an active airbag fitted, as it can cause licence and a credit card. Normally,
moped and an insurance policy. serious injury or death to the child in a drivers must be between the ages of
You may not carry a passenger if crash. Children must not sit behind the 21 or 23 and 75, but check before

020-021_Back_Roads_Great_Britain.indd 20 20/07/18 7:47 PM