DRIVING IN THE U.K. - INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS (« Back to Tourism Menu)
Driving around the Wiltshire countryside during your visit to Stonehenge can be a very pleasurable experience and can add enjoyment to your holiday however for your safety and wellbeing please be aware that in the United Kingdom:
Driving is on the left side of the road.
At most road junctions, there will be a sign telling you whether to Stop or Give Way, or Give Way markings on the road (white dotted lines and a triangle). You must obey these signs.
At roundabouts, give way to traffic coming from the right, unless road markings tell you otherwise. Drive round clockwise and signal left as you approach your exit.
On a motorway keep to the left when not overtaking. Overtake to the right. The hard shoulder (a reserved area by the verge of a road - some motorway sections may not have a hard shoulder) is for emergency use only.
There are emergency telephones every 1500m on motorways. If you break down use them. Stop on the hard shoulder and swith on your hazard warning lights - if there is no hard shoulder available take extra care in parking your vehicle. Look for the arrows pointing to the nearest emergency telephone and walk towards it carefully and in a safe place. The emergency services will know your location. When you have made the call return carefully to your vehicle and await assistance.
Take extra care when joining or leaving a motorway.
Speeds are in miles per hour and distances on road signs are in miles.
Speed limits apply on all public roads.
Normal speed limit in a built-up area - 30mph (48km/h).
Normal speed limit on the outskirts of a built-up area - 40mph (64km/h).
Normal speed limit on a main road - 60mph (96km/h).
Normal speed limit on a motorway - 70mph (112km/h).
Speed limits may be lower in some places such as outside schools, hospitals, road repair areas etc - look for signs.
Some roads have a variable speed limit such as the M25 around London. Look for the signs.
Speed and traffic light cameras are in use.
Some roads/bridges may have a toll charge.
Some cities may charge for parking - it may be necessary to buy a ticket before parking.Seat belts must be worn front and back.
Young children must be fitted in suitable car safety seats.
Do not use a cell phone while driving.
If you are in an accident you must stop and give your name, address and insurance details to the other driver(s) involved. If anyone is injured you must also inform the Police. Call 999 from a land line, 112 from a cell phone.
The Police are not tolerant towards people driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Penalties for drink/drug driving are severe. It is best not to drive if you have consumed alcohol or if you need to use medication unsuitable for driving.
For further information
The Highway Code - from DirectGov - public services all in one place. »
Driving advice for Overseas Visitors - from The THINK! Road Safety Website. »
The DirectGov Website listed above has comprehensive information about driving in the United Kingdom.
The THINK! Road Safety Website listed above has a printable advice file, named Keep left, and important links at the foot of the page. This website has information in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian.
If you travel with your vehicle from overseas please ensure your vehicle complies with U.K. regulations (head light dipping for driving on the left side of the road, tyres etc) and that you have the necessary documentation and insurance with you.
Highways Agency ~ Traffic Forecaster ~ Latest Traffic Information ~ Traffic Conditions. »