Roads in Great Britain. Features of traffic rules in the UK and the USA Traffic rules for children in the UK

Driving on the left is the hallmark of England, as well as some other countries. But in Europe, the UK is considered the only country where it is customary to drive on the left. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

Left-hand traffic: historical background

According to historians, the left side of the road was chosen back in the days when horse-drawn carriages rode around London. Passing on the right, the coachman could accidentally hit people on the sidewalk with his whip. That's why everyone drove on the left.

Some researchers believe that driving on the left came to the British Isles from the Romans, who once conquered them. There it was also more convenient to ride a horse on the left and hold the sword in the right hand. This would allow the attackers to be quickly repulsed with the strongest hand.

In addition, the English bill introduced in 1756 worked in favor of the “left” movement. It said that on London Bridge there is now only traffic on the left. Violation of the rule was subject to a large fine.

Exactly 20 years after the bill, a law on driving on the left was passed throughout England. This method of traveling by car is still relevant today.

Marine explanation

For a long time, the fate of Great Britain was connected with the sea. After all, only steamships and ships went to the islands. They were the link between England and the rest of the world. Therefore, maritime traditions are closely woven into the way of life of the British.

Previously, ships passed ships on the left. And for a country so closely connected with the sea, it is not surprising that this custom has become a land custom.

Today, overtaking on the right is accepted in navigation, but what happened before is a completely different story.

Countries that followed the UK

States using left-hand traffic made their choice influenced by the following factors:

• Colonial reason. Even in the last century, England had many colonies under its control. Therefore, after the abolition of colonization, many states retained the usual pattern of movement as the only correct one;
• Political reason. Thanks to Napoleon, France set the pace among other countries in choosing sides of the road. Those who supported Napoleon also introduced a right-wing scheme. And those who were against chose the left side.

The friendship between England and Japan resulted in the introduction of a left-hand drive system for the second country. A new law was passed in 1859. And it is valid today.

When the colonies of England in the United States gained freedom, they switched to driving on the right, but previously they also drove there, keeping to the left. This was the Americans' response to the occupiers.

What is the situation with left-hand traffic in the world?

The world community is 72% made up of those who choose to travel on the right. And only 28% of those who drive on the left.

In North America, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados drive on the left.

In South America, this is the situation in Suriname and Guyana.

And in Europe, England, Ireland and Malta drive on the left. In Asia, 17 countries are committed to driving on the left.

In Africa there are 13 such countries. And in Oceania their number is 8. Not so few, if considered in general.

The rest of the world chose the right side of the road to drive. But what is the reason for this choice?

Left and right: reasons for the transition

Moving from one side to the other is not so easy. For example, in Sweden they switched to right-hand traffic due to the large number of cars suitable for this. We made the transition on a specially designated day.

The former colonies of England in the United States made their choice as a sign of protest against the former occupiers.

South Korea, having escaped from Japanese oppression, also changed “left” to “right”. They did the same in China.

Features of driving on the left

Tourists who come to a country where traffic is on the left for the first time note the inconvenience of switching to a different driving style.

Some people experience fear when changing directions. If the above factors are present, you should refrain from traveling by car on your own. After all, you can always use public transport or a taxi. And overdoing yourself while driving is life-threatening.

Driving on the left side is not difficult, the main thing is to carefully look at the signs and markings, and also take your time. A few days of practice on the crowded streets - and now you can go onto the main avenues of London.

To make the task easier, you can build a detailed route in the navigator, and also search in advance on the map for detours and places to park your car. In addition to all this, in every country there are courses that help you learn to drive from a new perspective.

The consequence of driving on the left is simpler traffic rules, as well as a certain freedom for those who wish to be polite on the road.

For example, there are stories that English gentlemen advocated driving on the left, as it allowed them to freely shake hands at low speeds, and then drive away without problems.

Millions of motorists argue about which is better: driving on the right or on the left. But Great Britain made its choice a long time ago, and it seems that it has no intention of changing it.

England is very different from many other European countries. It has a special culture, a rich history and its own traditions, which have turned into habits. And for the British, driving on the left is as natural as oatmeal for breakfast. In the UK they even believe that this is the only way to travel that is the most reliable, convenient and safe.

If there were no England, there would be no right-hand drive. The legitimacy of this statement has been debated in automotive circles for decades.

AiF.ru tried to figure out why the left-hand traffic pattern took root in Great Britain and how this affected other countries of the world.

Why is it common to drive on the left side of the road in England?

There are two main versions that explain why in the middle of the 18th century England chose to drive on the left.

• Roman version

In Ancient Rome, people drove on the left. This approach was explained by the fact that the legionnaires held weapons in their right hands. And therefore, in the event of an unexpected meeting with the enemy, it was more profitable for them to be on the left side of the road. The enemy thus fell directly into the chopping hand. After the Romans conquered the British Isles in 45 AD, "leftism" may have spread to England. This version is supported by the results of archaeological expeditions. In 1998, a Roman quarry was excavated in Wiltshire in southwest England, near which the left track was broken more than the right.

• Marine version

Previously, the British could only get to Europe by water. Therefore, maritime traditions have become firmly entrenched in the culture of this people. In the old days, English ships had to pass on the left side of an oncoming ship. Subsequently, this custom could spread to roads.

Modern international shipping rules stipulate right-hand traffic.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

How did English “leftism” spread throughout the world?

Most left-hand drive countries have chosen this particular traffic pattern due to the following circumstances:

• Colonial factor.

Even in the middle of the last century, Great Britain was an empire on which the sun never set. Most of the former colonies scattered around the world decided to continue driving on the left after gaining independence.

• Political factor.

During the Great French Revolution, a decree was issued which ordered all residents of the republic to move on the “common” right side of the road. When did he come to power? Napoleon Bonaparte, the traffic pattern became a policy argument. In those states that supported Napoleon - Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain - right-hand traffic was established. On the other hand, those who opposed France: Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, Portugal turned out to be “leftists”. Subsequently, left-hand traffic in these three countries was preserved only in the United Kingdom.

Political friendship with Great Britain contributed to the introduction of “leftism” on the roads in Japan: in 1859 Queen Victoria's Ambassador Sir Rutherford Alcock convinced the authorities of the island state to accept driving on the left.

When did right-hand traffic become established in Russia?

In Russia, the rules for right-hand traffic developed back in the Middle Ages. Danish envoy to Peter I Just Yul in 1709 he wrote that “in the Russian Empire, it is customary everywhere for carts and sleighs, when meeting each other, to pass each other, keeping to the right side.” In 1752 Empress Elizaveta Petrovna enshrined this norm in law by issuing a decree on the introduction of right-hand traffic for carriages and cab drivers on the streets of the empire’s cities.

Countries that changed traffic

History knows many examples when countries switched from one traffic pattern to another. States did this for the following reasons:

• “To spite yesterday’s occupiers”

The United States switched to driving on the right side of the road after declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Korea switched to driving on the right after the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946.

• Geographic feasibility

Many former British colonies in Africa switched to driving on the right in the mid-1960s and early 1970s. Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana did this for convenience: they were surrounded by “right-riding” former French colonies.

Sweden is the last country in Europe to change direction. In 1967, the so-called H-Day took place there, when all the cars in the kingdom changed lanes. The reason for the transition to “law” lay not only in geography, but also in economics. Most of the countries where Swedish-made cars were sold used left-hand drive.

Swedish "H" day. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

In 2009, Samoa switched to driving on the left. This was due to the large number of used right-hand drive cars being imported into the country from Australia and New Zealand.

"Left" exceptions

In right-leaning countries there is room for left-wing exceptions. So, on the small street of General Lemonnier (350 meters long) in Paris, people move on the left side. There are small areas with left-hand traffic in Odessa (Vysoky Lane), in Moscow (passage on Leskova Street), in St. Petersburg (embankment of the Fontanka River) and in Vladivostok (Semyonovskaya Street on the section from Aleutskaya Street to the intersection with Okeansky Prospekt, as well as on Mordovtseva street).

Which movement is safer?

According to experts, which side you are driving on does not affect the degree of traffic safety - it is just a matter of habit.

Countries with left-hand traffic

The global ratio of right-hand to left-hand roads is 72% and 28%, with 66% of the world's drivers driving on the right side and 34% driving on the left.

North America

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Jamaica

South America

• Guyana
• Suriname

• Great Britain
• Ireland
• Malta

• Bangladesh
• Brunei
• Butane
• East Timor
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Sri Lanka
• Japan

• Botswana
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Seychelles
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• Uganda

• Australia
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Tonga
• Fiji

align="justify"> Notices of fines are issued by an independent organization - the Traffic Inspectorate. Inspection staff may fine you, puncture your tire, or tow you. All these procedures will cost you a pretty penny, so it’s better to follow the parking rules.

British drivers try to be polite and follow the rules. In cities you may find excessive traffic, and inLondon Driving is not recommended at all due to problems with parking, as well as constant traffic jams. The wheels of illegally parked cars can be blocked, which means a lot of inconvenience and a large fine. The surface even on small roads is of excellent quality, and the road system is very convenient.

According to the British, they drive on the right side of the road. If you have experience driving on the wrong side of the road at home, then adaptation will be easy.

In Europe, unlike America, there are ring roads. Non-Europeans need to get used to similar circulatory systems that regulate traffic.

Country roads inGreat Britain quite narrow. But if you are not in a hurry, then you will not have problems with movement.

When planning long-distance trips, you need to know that the average speed on a highway can be more than 60 mph, but on other highways it should not exceed 30 mph. A road map will help you calculate your trip time.

By and large, before you get behind the wheel in the UK, you should purchase the “Bible” of English motorists – the “Highway Code”. The main point of the code is that all drivers must pass a driving test and obtain a driving license. If someone fails the exam, see point one. In addition to the main point, the publication contains all the necessary information for proper driving on the “correct” side.

However, no one is immune from traffic violations, regardless of their knowledge or ignorance. Violations are followed by fines, which will be given below. To begin with, we note that there is no special road police in the UK. The police respond to accidents with victims and monitor the speed limit. It has nothing to do with traffic management and technical inspection. For example, correct parking is monitored by a special service belonging to the municipality. “Who issues the fines?” - you ask. Notices of fines are issued by an independent organization - the Traffic Inspectorate. The inspection staff can not only fine you, but also puncture (!!!) your tire or evacuate you, depending on the severity of the violation.

1.5. Fines for violating traffic rules in the UK

The most common traffic offenses in Britain are speeding and parking. The maximum fine for the first and lowest level of seriousness of the offense is up to 200 pounds ($400). As for the penalty points, which are recorded in the central police computer system, where all information about motorists is entered, the following rule applies: if you collect 12 points within three years, your license will be taken away for at least 6 months, or maybe for a year and more.

Now about more serious violations - from the second level (maximum fine of 500 pounds - a thousand dollars) to the fifth (maximum fine of 5 thousand pounds). The second level includes serious speeding violations when you exceed the speed limit by more than 30 miles (and here we are talking about city streets). If a similar offense occurred on a motorway where you were driving at a speed exceeding 100 miles, expect a fine of 1 to 2.5 thousand pounds (of course, you also receive penalty points for this at the same time). However, the most serious fines are provided for driving while intoxicated (the blood alcohol limit is considered to be 0.8 ppm) and for failure to stop during a traffic accident. Here the fine can reach up to 5 thousand pounds (this is the fifth level of violation) plus your license is taken away and you receive from 5 to 10 penalty points. For this money, by the way, you can buy a used (3-5 year old) middle class car or a new small car. If you refuse to pay the fine, you face 6 months in prison. To understand how painfully fines hit the pockets of the British, you need to consider that the average salary in Britain is 1900 pounds per month, at the current exchange rate - $3800 (before all taxes).

In the first case of driving while intoxicated, in addition to a significant fine, your license will be revoked for at least a year. If after this, such a violation is repeated within 10 years, the driver is automatically deprived of his license for at least 3 years. By the way, refusal to take a blood alcohol test on the spot is punishable by a fine of up to a thousand pounds ($2,000) and possible (but not necessarily) deprivation of rights for up to a year. By the way, the same fine - 5 thousand pounds - is imposed in the absence of car insurance. Which is extremely uncharacteristic of the British road police, as it is corruption. It is very difficult to find a car owner who has ever bribed police officers or anyone who has ever heard of it. Perhaps this is also due to the fact that violations in the overwhelming majority of cases are recorded not by people, but by devices. In addition, even if a policeman stops you, his portable radar, having recorded your violation, at the same moment automatically transmits it to the central computer of the traffic police, from where this signal can no longer be retrieved.

Other penalties:

1. Talking on a mobile phone while driving is only permitted using the hands-free system. Violators are subject to a £30 fine. However, if the case goes to trial, the sanctions could end up being more severe: fines of up to £1,000 for car drivers and up to £2,500 for truck and bus drivers.

2. Updated UK road rules came into force on October 1 this year, classifying smoking as a distracting activity for the driver. This means that if a driver who smokes while driving gets into an accident, he could be fined £2,500, receive between 3 and 9 penalty points, or even lose his driving licence.

3. Driving through a red light - up to $1,700, a fine is imposed by the court, possible deprivation of a driver's license for a period of 1 month.

4. Failure to comply with the STOP sign (“passing without stopping is prohibited”) – similar to the previous one

Not wearing seat belts - $850.

5. Violations of stopping, parking and parking rules:

6. Without interfering with road users - about $35

7. If you allow yourself to leave your car under a prohibitory sign, you will be fined up to $1,700 plus the cost of evacuation - $170, plus $20 each day of storage. Yes, evacuation occurs quickly and with almost one hundred percent probability.

IMPORTANT: In almost all European countries, the speed limit starts at one kilometer per hour above the speed limit!

1.6.Traffic police in the UK

Traffic police in England have the power to close any road, stop any vehicle, and requisition any vehicle if required to “obstruct any person suspected of committing or preparing to commit an offense using vehicles or roads.” Of course, they cannot block traffic for the passage of special vehicles or the unimpeded passage of a high-ranking official.

British traffic police carefully follow instructions and adhere to traffic rules, which has become a topic of jokes many times. British authorities, for example, regularly report fines imposed by police officers on themselves or their colleagues.

According to the London police, over the past year, police officers (including traffic officers themselves) paid more than 325 thousand euros in fines for illegal parking, speeding or other traffic violations. Moreover, almost all fines issued to police officers were paid within a week and a half. Perhaps this was due to the rule according to which a driver who pays a fine within two weeks after issuing a receipt receives a 50% discount. In Britain, this is a fairly convincing reason to pay a fine on time - for example, for illegal parking in London, a driver usually has to pay 70,120 euros.

Chapter II. Tackling congestion in London

Just 5 years ago London was in a rush hour rush. Every hour, more than 40 thousand cars headed to the center of the British capital. Naturally, the transport arteries of the city, along which leisurely stagecoaches and carriages drove 100 years ago, could not withstand such a flow of cars, and traffic jams became commonplace. This was especially unnerving for residents in the morning hours, when more than 3 million employees of government agencies and private firms flocked to the city center in their own cars. Nothing helped relieve the congestion in central London: neither a ban on trucks, nor various one-way traffic schemes, nor increased parking prices. The problem was solved by London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

1.1.Toll

It was decided to make entry into the city center chargeable. London City Hall has spent more than £200 million to create a 21 square kilometer zone in the center of the capital. Its 170 entrances are equipped with video cameras that read license plates of cars entering the city center and transmit the information to a central computer. Two years later, this zone was expanded to include part of western London. If entry into the city center is not paid in advance, the owner of the vehicle faces a fine of 80 to 120 pounds ($240). Since February 2003, you had to pay 5 pounds (about $10) to enter central London, and since July 2005 - 8 pounds. Payments can be made through a special toll-free phone line using a credit card, online, or even via text message sent from a cell phone. Exceptions to the rules are provided only for police and fire vehicles, ambulances, taxis and motorcyclists. Disabled people have benefits. Entry into central London is free in the evenings (after 7), weekends and public holidays.

This measure relieved the central part of the city by almost 40 percent. The number of cars entering central London every day has decreased by 70 thousand, and traffic jams have practically disappeared. In just the first year after the introduction of the transport tribute, the city hall earned about 80 million pounds, and last year the amount of fees already reached 122 million. This money is invested in improving the city's transport infrastructure.

And one more “forceful warning” from city authorities wishing to take a day trip to central London: parking fees there have increased exorbitantly. Parking in the center costs up to £4 per hour. In this case, parking should not exceed 2 hours. If you want to park your car longer, run to the meter and throw in coins. Fines for violating parking rules in London are very significant and range from 40 to 100 pounds. Not to mention the fact that the wheel of the offending car is blocked and the car is evacuated to the impound lot. It costs from 45 to 60 pounds to buy it. The collection of fines and regulation of parking prices is the responsibility of the administration of 33 London boroughs, and fines are not imposed by police officers, but by special employees of district councils who monitor parking. Controllers are not allowed to collect the fine themselves; they only issue a receipt, which must be paid through a bank or by sending a check.

Without a car.

Tolls have significantly reduced traffic flows and especially congestion. In Central London. People began to use public transport more. The success of this project was also possible because, before introducing it to the public in 2002, the government increased the number of bus routes in the center so that people who could not afford the entrance fee could use the metro or bus . The proposed scheme to combat congestion on transport routes worked from the very first days of its implementation. At the same time, the number of private cars in London has fallen significantly - it has reached its lowest level since 1988. London is the only metropolis in the world where this trend has emerged. And this despite the fact that outside the capital the number of car owners has increased by 16 percent over the past 5 years. In London, 40 percent of the population now does not have their own car. Over 5 years, the number of bus trips increased by 37 percent (about 5 million passengers per day), and the number of metro passengers jumped by 12 percent over the same period. At the same time, road traffic accidents and the number of their victims have decreased, and the ecology of the central regions has improved.

Description

Naturally, the main feature of English road traffic is that it is left-hand drive. Needless to say, what inconvenience this results in for the Russian driver. But it is not all that bad. As practice shows, after a relatively short period of time a person adapts to new conditions and successfully drives a car.

History of traffic rules

In Great Britain.

70 years ago the first traffic rules appeared in England. A third of the 24-page brochure was devoted to various hand gestures to be used when turning, reversing and braking. The fact is that many cars of that time did not have turn signals or even brake lights.

The government decided to develop traffic rules after receiving official statistics on the number of cars in the UK. In the British Isles in 1931, more than 2.3 million cars were registered, and the country's leadership decided that “to ensure the safety of citizens on the roads, it is necessary to adopt general rules governing the behavior of all road users.” In addition to a large number of various gestures that drivers must were to notify about their maneuvers, the rules required that you honk loudly when overtaking, and also that you should never talk to a police officer on duty, so as not to distract him. In addition, drivers of cars that did not have taillights were required to keep the reflectors "clean to a shine." And most importantly: while driving, drivers were strictly forbidden to talk to drivers of other cars.

A lot has changed since then. There are more than 27 million cars on UK roads these days whose drivers wouldn't even think of talking to someone through an open window while driving. The first traffic rules have turned from an official document into a relic: recently one of the first copies of the 1931 traffic rules was sold at auction for 10 thousand dollars.

Features of traffic rules in the UK.

The main feature of road traffic in Great Britain is that it drives on the left. As practice shows, after a relatively short period of time, a person from countries with right-hand traffic adapts to new conditions and successfully drives a car. In addition, in the UK, road markings are highly informative, and therefore provide significant assistance to road users. Please note that overtaking in the UK must be done to the right of the vehicle being overtaken!

At roundabouts, vehicles on your left have priority. The complete opposite of Russian traffic rules, in particular the well-known “interference on the right” rule.

Vehicles traveling on main roads always have priority over vehicles on secondary roads. If there is a white road marking across the roadway, this means that it is necessary to give way to vehicles moving along the road being crossed.

As you know, in some countries with right-hand traffic, traffic rules allow you to turn right even at a red traffic light, provided that you give priority to other road users. There is a misconception that in the UK you can turn left at a red light in the same way. Remember: this is not true; such a violation can subject you to a large fine.

In the UK, vehicle drivers are required to give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings (as in Russia, crossings are marked with zebra crossings). Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a fine.

Drivers and passengers of vehicles must wear seat belts. This also applies to passengers in the rear seat (if there are seat belts provided by the design of the vehicle). Transportation of children under 14 years of age is permitted only if special restraint devices are used.

Speed ​​limits: residential areas: 30 mph (48 km/h), one-way roads: 60 mph (96 km/h) for cars, 50 mph (81 km/h) ) for tugs, trailers and buses, dual carriageway. Highways: 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars, 60 mph (96 km/h) for tugs and trailers. The maximum speed limit in Jersey and Guernsey is 40 mph (65 km/h) and 35 mph (56 km/h) respectively. Speed ​​limit changes can occur quite frequently, so always pay attention to the appropriate road signs.

Police.

Oddly enough, there is no special traffic police in England. A regular police squad arrives at the scene of a traffic accident. The police are also responsible for controlling speed limits. The rest of the traffic management issues are handled by the traffic inspectorate belonging to the local municipality.

Police officers in England have the right to close any road, stop any vehicle, and requisition any vehicle if required to “obstruct any person suspected of committing or preparing to commit an offense using vehicles or roads.” Of course, they cannot block traffic for the passage of special vehicles or the unimpeded passage of a high-ranking official.

British police officers carefully follow instructions and observe traffic rules, which has become a topic of jokes many times. British authorities, for example, regularly report fines imposed by police officers on themselves or their colleagues.

Parking rules.

The rules for parking vehicles have their own characteristics. If there is a double continuous line of road markings along the edge of the roadway, it means that parking in this place is prohibited 24 hours a day. The single yellow line has the same meaning, but parking may be permitted in this location subject to special notices.

If when parking it is necessary to observe any special rules (how the vehicle is positioned, etc.), then the corresponding road signs will indicate this.

Payment for parking in many places is made using parking meters, which issue the driver a ticket with a stamp on the parking time. Most accept 20p, 50p and £1 coins.

Even paid parking lots in England are not always secure. Free parking lots are located mostly far from the city center, and you are allowed to leave a car there for no more than two hours. In many places you can see a road sign with the words Residents parking. It means that parking in a given location is permitted only for citizens permanently residing nearby.

For violation of parking rules, the car can be picked up by a tow truck, a wheel blocker can be placed on the wheels, or even the tire can be punctured (traffic inspectors are vested with such powers). Of course, the driver or owner of the car will have to pay a hefty fine.

In general, road traffic in Great Britain is organized at a fairly high level. The road system is well thought out and convenient. Even small roads have high-quality coverage. To prevent traffic jams, there are many road junctions, both regulated and unregulated, including multi-level ones. Places where traffic jams may occur are indicated by appropriate road signs.

There are few road signs. For example, there is no “Main Road” sign, and the “Give Way” sign is very rare. On the contrary, there are a large number of traffic lights in populated areas. Often at signalized pedestrian crossings, the pedestrian must press a button to change the traffic light. There are no general rules for passing ahead at intersections, since most have signs indicating who to let pass. On secondary roads you can find both triangular "GIVE WAY" signs and red "STOP" signs. At many intersections, the only markings on the roadway that indicate "GIVE WAY" are dotted white lines and a white triangle. These signs must be strictly obeyed.

Talking on a mobile phone while driving is only permitted using the hands-free system. Violators are fined

The use of the horn in residential areas is prohibited from 23.30 to 7.00.

There are no statutory requirements for the use of winter tires in the UK.

We'll tell you what to expect on these roads, what traffic rules you need to follow to avoid hefty fines, and how to rent a car.

Go!

The total area of ​​Great Britain is 243,809 km², of which England occupies 130,395 km², Scotland - 78,772 km², Wales - 20,779 km² and Northern Ireland - 13,843 km².

In Great Britain temperate oceanic climate, there is a lot of rainfall throughout the state throughout the year. The minimum temperature rarely drops below -12°C, and the maximum fluctuates around +35°C. The eastern parts of the state are the driest. Winters in Great Britain, thanks to the Gulf Stream, are quite mild - if snow falls, it does not last long.

Network length highways Great Britain is 398,350 km, of which 3,557 km are motorways. Paved roads cover 344,000 km, while unpaved roads account for 54,350 km.

In Great Britain we drive on the left!

Paid areas quite a lot, including bridges and tunnels.

Fare depends not only on the distance or type of road, but also on the category of the vehicle (the number of wheels and axles of the vehicle and even its height play a role here). Travel on bridges and tunnels ranges from £0.60 (pounds sterling - approx. 54 rubles) to £6.60 (583 rubles).

The only toll highway is the M6. It is located north of Birmingham.

The amount of payment for travel on it depends not only on the class of the car, but also on the time - traveling at night is the cheapest: from £1.80 (159 rubles) to £8.60 (759 rubles), from Monday to Friday - the most expensive travel: from £3 (RUB 265) to £11 (RUB 970). Well, on Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 to 23:00 you will have to pay from £2.80 (247 rubles) to £9.60 (847 rubles). You can pay in cash or by credit card, as well as by prepayment through an electronic system (in this case you do not have to stand in line and make transactions with a card or money). You can pay yourself through the terminal, or you can use the services of a cashier at the window. The payment method is indicated by the corresponding icons on the electronic displays.

The longest and world-famous section of toll road in the UK is the Eurotunnel (Channel Tunnel), connecting mainland Europe and the UK. Its length is approximately 51 km, 39 of which are under the strait. The tunnel is not a road tunnel; a railway passes through it. Cars are loaded into special carriages of shuttle trains: passenger cars separately, buses and trucks separately. Drivers of large vehicles travel in special passenger carriages in the same composition. But those traveling in passenger cars often, in order to save money, do not buy separate tickets for a passenger carriage, but travel directly in their cars - this is allowed. Cars for passenger cars have lighting, you can even take pictures in them (but only without a flash: its fire sensors take it for danger and give a command to automatically stop the train. The consequences of this will hit the pockets of unlucky passengers very seriously).

Tariffs for travel through the Eurotunnel:

1. Day Trip & Overnight - round trip tickets. They are issued for two days and must be returned by midnight on the second day from the date of departure. Ticket price: £23 (RUB 2,030).
2. Short stay - round trip tickets for 5 days. You must be back by midnight on the fifth day from departure. Price - £59 (RUB 5,208).
3. Single or Long Stay - regular tickets, no restrictions on return time. Price - £79 (RUB 6,973).

As for the carriages for passengers, they look like general ones with a difference in price depending on the class and level of comfort. There are no compartment cars.

We’ll tell you a little about getting around the capital of Great Britain. The most important thing to keep in mind is In London there is a charge to enter the city center(about £10 - 883 RUR). The driver has the right to an unlimited number of entries into the center during the day, the fee is charged once. Travel is free between 18:30 and 7:00. Entry is recorded by cameras, and payment must be made within a day, otherwise you will face a fine. To pay, you need to call a special phone number (you can find it at the hotel or travel agency), provide the number of the car and credit card.

Road quality in the UK

It is difficult to say that in the UK the asphalt is of ideal quality. However, the roads here are generally excellent. How can this be? But the fact is that the organization of traffic, signs and markings, traffic regulations, as well as the behavior of local motorists and road services - all this together makes British roads delightful.

You can see many roads with patch repairs; it doesn’t look very nice, but the quality of such “patches” is so high that the unevenness and joints are not felt at all.

The smallest holes are repaired here and very quickly. A day or two after their appearance, a special “inspector” outlines the problem area with red paint, after which road workers get down to business.

Almost all roads have a slight slope in both directions, towards the curbs where the storm drains are located. Therefore, after frequent heavy rains, the roads do not wash out, because all the water goes into drains.

Signs, markings, guides, traffic lights and information boards can all be found in even the smallest towns in the UK.

Pedestrian crossings, bicycle paths, sidewalks, traffic islands - everything is made very convenient for people around the roads.

Suburban roads in the UK can seem quite scary to tourists due to their width. The fact is that sometimes it seems that the highway is one-lane, but then you can see cars driving along it, and at quite high speeds. And the mountain roads are also very winding, with an abundance of sharp turns, descents and ascents.

Many tourists are frightened by such maneuvers, so there is a completely natural desire to hug the side of the road.

And in the eastern part of the state, country roads are often flooded after rains, and no one risks driving along them; everyone takes a detour.

In the UK there are over 400 cars per 1,000 people. This is a lot, so it is not surprising that traffic jams are common here. Especially in large cities.

Here's a closer look at the roads in some UK cities:

London:

London traffic jam, almost entirely made up of cabbies