Driving in London is not a task for the faint of heart. Even seasoned drivers can struggle with navigating England’s capital, whether due to the narrow side-streets in its various boroughs, the insane rush-hour traffic that plagues it each and every day, or even the financial hardship of the ULEZ zone.
Taking the above into account, it is no wonder that many people opt for public transport instead. However, driving in London is often a necessity; if this is the case for you, what are some of the things you can do to make your journey easier and safer?
Expect Traffic
One of the biggest challenges presented by driving in London is traffic. Congestion is quite simply an everyday reality in the city, and something for which you need to be prepared well in advance. Start any journey earlier than you would normally, and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. You could also try planning your route in advance to avoid busy roads, taking into account real-time traffic updates from dedicated apps such as Google Maps or Waze.
Avoid Shortcuts
While it might seem to make sense to take shortcuts where possible in London, and even become highly tempting to do so, this can often backfire. Many of the city’s side-streets are narrow and winding, particularly in Zone 2 and 3 areas like Finsbury Park and Haringey; they can easily lead you off-course, into a dead-end or even into a bus lane. Stick to main roads as much as possible, especially if you are visiting London for the first time.
Consider the Car You’re Driving
If you’re planning on driving in London frequently, it’s worth considering the type of car you’re driving. Large cars can be difficult to manoeuvre on London’s narrow streets, and they’re also more expensive to both drive and park – the former being a function of the ULEZ.
You might consider saving money and making your life easier by downsizing to a smaller car; the Citroen DS3 is a popular choice on account of its size, fuel economy and handling. There are new DS3 cars for sale everywhere, making it much easier to improve fuel efficiency and driving experience in the capital.
It Can Be Costly
Despite your cost-saving measures, driving in London can be unavoidably expensive – especially if you’re not familiar with the city’s regulations. The ULEZ has been mentioned already, but the older and more established congestion charge remains alongside it. The congestion charge is a daily fee that drivers have to pay if they enter the congestion zone during certain hours. There are also charges for parking, and fines for driving in bus lanes or other restricted areas.
Watch Out for Bus Lanes
Finally, it’s worth noting that London’s bus lanes can be a real trap for unwary drivers. Many of London’s bus lanes operate at different times of the day, and it is criminally easy to get caught out. Make sure you pay attention to the signs, and avoid driving in bus lanes during the restricted hours.
