As in any major metropolis, driving in London can be a challenge, with busy traffic, one-way systems, restricted parking availability, and a daily £8 Congestion Charge for most vehicles travelling into the inner sector.
To find out about the Congestion Charge, click here.
However, London is readily accessible from the UK motorway network – with the M1, M2, M3, M4, M11, M20, M23, M25 and M40 motorways in or near to London - in addition to a multitude of major A-roads.
It’s important to have a road-map to hand showing major motorways and A-roads for long journeys, and a detailed streetmap of London, known universally as the A to Z. A to Z maps come in book form, in a variety of sizes and formats, and are available from most booksellers, petrol stations and good newsagents.
Alternatively, use one of the Internet’s many route planning services and print off a map and directions before you travel.
One of the most reliable web motoring services is provided by the AA (Automobile Association). Click here to go straight to their online route planner.
Which Motorway Goes Where?All of London’s motorways intersect the M25 orbital motorway.
- M1 – The North: Luton Airport, Milton Keynes, Birmingham (via M6), Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield
- M2 – The South-East: North Kent
- M3 – The South: Winchester, Southampton (via M27)
- M4 – The West: Heathrow Airport, Reading, Swindon, Bristol, Cardiff
- M11 – The East: Essex, Stansted Airport and Cambridge
- M20 – The South-East: Southern Kent, Maidstone, Channel Tunnel
- M23 – The South: Gatwick Airport and Brighton (via A23)
- M25 – London’s orbital ring-road
- M40 – The Midlands: Oxford and Birmingham
On-street parking in central London is expensive and difficult. Be aware that parking is particularly restricted between 08:30 and 18:30 Monday to Friday and from 08:30 to 13:30 on Saturdays.
Masterpark and NCP both operate car parks in central London. Please visit the following sites for more information:
www.masterpark.org.uk.
Illegal parking is controlled by fines, towing away of vehicles and wheel clamps.
Restricted areas are usually marked with single or double yellow lines on the road and kerb and/or yellow plates on lamp posts. Avoid parking on roads with red markings in particular, as these Red Routes have priority access for through traffic.
A handy guide to what to do if your car has been clamped or towed is available from the AA.
Road SafetyMajor changes to the law in the UK come in to effect in late 2003. On 1 December 2003 a new law will come into force to prohibit drivers using a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, while driving.
The penalties will initially be a fixed penalty of £30 or a fine of up to £1,000 if the offender goes to court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles or passenger carrying vehicles with 9 or more passenger seats). It will be made an endorseable offence, resulting in three penalty points on the driver’s licence, as soon as “a suitable legislative opportunity arises”.
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