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Driving in the United Kingdom. Tips on Parking.
Britains drive on the left - one of the few countries in Europe to do so. Renting a car is daunting to visitors to Britain
but with the help of a few basic tips you will sail through, I mean drive through, unscathed.
Parking your vehicle in the restricted space of Cities in the U.K. can be a frustrating experience for the visitor - unless you have a little insider knowledge.
- Never park or even wait on the white zig-zag marked area immediately before and beyond a pedestrian crossing. This area is strictly forbidden for obvious safety reasons.
- Parking is not allowed where the road is marked with double yellow lines.
- Larger cities often reserve areas for residents. Check for the notice adjacent to parking areas requiring a residents permit.
- Designated Car Parks, multi-story or open areas, are usually well marked with a 'P'. Follow the signs.
- Road side parking:
Broken white lines usually designate parking allowed. Check adjacent signs for parking duration.
Individual
- Motorway lane etiquette - keep to the left hand lane unless overtaking. Hogging the center lane
will incur the wrathe of other users. (Two fingers held up in the shape of a 'V' means victory
unless the back of the hand is facing your adversary)
- Only overtake on the right, never on the left.
- Do not give way to the temptation to park your vehicle on an inviting looking patch of land - if it belongs to someone else the chances are your wheels will be clamped and it will cost a lot to have them removed.
- Pedestrian crossings (zebras) are marked on the road with alternate white stripes. Pedestrians take precedence over vehicles at crossings.
Wait for the green light before proceeding. Strictly it's o.k. to move when the amber light is flashing but take care - some pedestrians push the envelope and
take delight in stepping across at the last moment.
- If you are walking, stay off the highway. If you have to cross away from a crossing, be vigilant, look both ways and be swift. There is no tolerance for pedestrians .
- Look out for lollypop persons at school approaches. Always stop when advised by a lollypop person.
Move on to tips on parking in Britain.
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