TIPS FOR DRIVING IN ENGLAND

Driving in England is an integral part of your self catering vacation. It is not difficult and is a most convenient way to get from your accommodations to the sites you wish to visit.

Quite simply, the steering wheel and controls are on the right side of the car. You drive on the left side of the road, not the right as in the U.S. or the Continent. Pass on the right, not the left. Driving will take a bit of practice and requires concentration.

Some Considerations: 1. Learn the international traffic signs.

2. Plan each day's routes. Write down the road number and direction you will turn in each case. List key towns or villages. 3. DO NOT DRIVE IN LONDON or other major cities. Park in a parking areas as you enter the city. Take local transportation.

4. Size of vehicle: Comprise between required passenger space, luggage space, and the size of the roads. A smaller car is better for the rural roads.

5. Opt for Automatic transmission. It provides less concern maneuvering in traffic than shifting in that round-about.

6. Roundabouts or traffic circles: They are everywhere, even on the super highways. Watch the traffic flow. You will enter by turning left into the circle. If you do not see your exit, continue around the circle again.

7. Obey the traffic signals. A road sign will inform you if an intersection is on camera. If a light will blink to inform you that your photo and that of the vehicle will be forwarded electronically to the police for issue of a ticket.

8. Parking: Again observe the rules. Do not risk the BOOT.There are central machines in the parking lots where you obtain a ticket to place on the car dash when you leave the car parked.Sometimes you can park on the street. Check time restrictions.

9. Fuel: Do not go below 1/4th tank of fuel. There may be considerable distances between refueling stations.

10. Passenger comfort. Be sympathetic and understanding of the passengers. They're unaccustomed to seeing vehicles on their left. Narrow rural roads make them nervous. They will be close to an embankment or hedgerow.

11. Relax! It is not as complicated as it sounds.

12. Enjoy the countryside. Stop, look, listen, and talk with the locals. This makes self catering vacations in England a wonderful experience.

SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!