Page 224 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

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Travelling Around by Car check roadside signs for
variations to the rule. Traffic
In Scotland, and the rest of the UK, driving is on the left-hand wardens will not hesitate to
side of the road, and distances are measured and signposted ticket, clamp or tow away your
in miles. A network of toll-free motor ways exists in the south No stopping Speed limit (mph) car if in breach of the rules. If in
and between Edinburgh and Glasgow; using these can reduce doubt, find a car park. Outside
urban and popular visitor areas,
travelling time. In the larger towns traffic density can cause parking is not such a problem.
delays, and during public holiday weekends heading north Look out for the letter P, which
to the Highlands is often slow work. Rural Scotland, with its indicates legal parking spaces.
striking scenery, is an enjoyable place to drive, and the roads It is best to avoid driving
to even the remote parts are generally good. in Edinburgh, as cars have
limited access to the centre
No entry No right turn and the vast majority of sights
a good tour ing map is essential; allowed can be reached on foot. Taxis,
the AA or RAC motoring atlases which you can hail on the
are straightforward to use. street or find waiting at a The busy M8 motorway on the outskirts of Glasgow
For exploration of more remote taxi rank, are another option.
areas, the Ordnance Survey Licensed cabs must display Both motoring organizations DIRECTORY
series is the best. Such areas a “For Hire” sign. Mini-cabs offer reciprocal assistance for
often have only single-track must display a card proving members of overseas motoring Breakdown Services
roads with passing places and Railway level Yield to all vehicles the identity of the licensed organizations – before arrival AA
blind bends, that demand crossing driver. If there is no meter, check with your own group to Tel (0800) 887766.
cautious driving. ask the fare in advance. see if you are covered. You can ∑ theaa.com
On all road maps, motor ways contact the AA or RAC from
are indicated by an M followed roadside SOS phones on all RAC
by a number, such as the motorways. Most car rental Tel (0800) 828 282.
M8. Major roads, which are agencies have their own cover, ∑ rac.co.uk
often dual (2-lane) carriage ways, One-way traffic Gradient of a road which includes membership of
The A68 from Northern England to Scotland are labelled A roads. Secondary the AA or the RAC while you are Car Rental
roads, often less congested One of Glasgow’s black cabs driving. Even if you are not a Arnold Clark
than A roads, are called Rules of the Road member of an organization, you
What You Need B roads. There are fewer Speed limits are 30–65 km/h can still call out a rescue service, Tel (0141) 237 4374.
To drive in Scotland you need roads in the Highlands. (20–40 mph) in built-up Fuel although it will be expensive. ∑ arnoldclarkrental.com
a current driving licence, with Disabled drivers can contact areas and 110 km/h (70 mph) North American visitors to Always take the advice given Autosabroad
an international driving permit the AA Disability Helpline for on motorways or dual carriage- Scotland may find petrol on the insurance policy or rental Tel (0844) 826 6536.
if required. In any vehicle you general motoring information. ways – look out for speed signs on (gasoline) very expensive, agreement. If you have an ∑ autosabroad.com
drive, you must carry proof other roads. Wearing seat belts is particularly at motorway service accident that injures you or Avis
of ownership or a rental compulsory in Scotland and it is stations. It is the large super- damages a vehicle, contact the Tel (0808) 284 6666.
agreement, plus insurance Road Signs illegal to drive and use a hand- markets that often have the police straight away. ∑ avis.co.uk
documents. Signs are now generally held mobile phone. Severe lowest prices. All service stations
standardized in line with the penalties are imposed for provide unleaded petrol and Car Rental Budget
rest of Europe. Directional signs drinking and driving. diesel. Most petrol stations are Tel (0808) 284 4444.
are colour-coded: blue for self-service but instructions at Renting a car can be costly, but ∑ budget.co.uk
motorways, green for major (A) the pumps are easy to follow. one of the more competitive Europcar
roads and white for minor (B) Parking Fuel is priced and sold by the companies is Autosabroad. Tel (0371) 384 0235.
roads. In the Highlands and In Scotland’s towns and litre. There may be large Others include Arnold Clark, ∑ europcar.co.uk
islands, road signs display cities, on-street parking is often distances between stations in Budget, Hertz, Europcar and
A motorway sign both English and Gaelic names. paid for by purchasing a ticket rural areas and opening hours National Car Rental. The Hertz
Brown signs with a blue thistle from a roadside machine. The may be short so it is best to best deals can usually be Tel (0843) 309 3103.
give visitor information on ticket is then left on display keep your car filled up when found in advance. ∑ hertz.com
Roads in Scotland
attractions and tourist centres. inside the car. Some cities have travelling to remote areas. Many companies require a National Car Rental
Peak rush-hour traffic can last Warning signs are usually “park and ride” schemes, where credit card number or a Tel (0800) 121 8303.
from 8am to 9:30am and 5pm triangles in red and white, with you take a bus from an out-of- Breakdown Services substantial cash deposit as well ∑ nationalcar.co.uk
to 6:30pm on weekdays in the easy-to-understand picto grams. city car park into the centre. as your driving licence and ∑ nationalcar.com (in US)
cities. Radio Scotland and local Watch for electronic notices on Other towns have a “disc” Britain’s major motoring passport. The normal age
radio stations broadcast regular motorways that warn of road parking scheme; ask the tourist organizations, the AA requirements are over 21 and General Information
reports of road condi tions works, accidents or dangerous office or a local newsagent for (Automobile Association) and under 70. Major airports, train
throughout the day. You can driving conditions. a disc to mark your arrival time. the RAC (Royal Automobile stations and city centres have AA Disability Helpline
also contact Traffic Scotland for Level crossings at train tracks Many car parks operate on a Club), provide a car rental outlets. Tel (0800) 262050.
information on road conditions. often have automatic barriers. pay-and-display system. Avoid comprehen sive Value for money Traffic Scotland
You can save vital travel time by If the lights are flashing red, it double yellow lines at all times; 24-hour break- car hire can also Tel (0800) 028 1414.
knowing which routes should means a train is approaching; you can park on single lines at down and be found in some ∑ trafficscotland.org
be avoided. Outside the cities, you are required to stop. evenings and weekends, but recovery service. RAC logo smaller towns.

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