Driving in Britain tips?
Jul 15th 2002, 12:20 am
#16
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Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"Desmond Coughlan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Le Mon, 15 Jul 2002 11:09:33 GMT, Stephen C. Gallagher
<[email protected]> a écrit :
>
> >> Round-abouts will drive you crazy. Driving on the left was not much of
a
> >> problem for me or for most people I've talked to.
>
> > As long as you know the rules about driving in roundabouts, they work
> > surprisingly well.
>
> { snip }
>
> An excellent synopsis (if I may say so) of the rules of roundabouts in the UK.
> Regrettably, however, what you have cited, are the rules according to the Highway
> Code. The reality is somewhat different, and goes like this ...
>
> 1. Enter the roundabout in the lane that suits you
> 2. Go around the roundabout, using whatever lane suits you, even if you change
> your mind halfway around
> 3. Never use direction indicators. They're for poofs.
<snip>
now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test (many many
etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a roundabout' bit out
because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have to go check but, in the meantime,
the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has made all sense got out of the
window anyway.
news:[email protected]...
> Le Mon, 15 Jul 2002 11:09:33 GMT, Stephen C. Gallagher
<[email protected]> a écrit :
>
> >> Round-abouts will drive you crazy. Driving on the left was not much of
a
> >> problem for me or for most people I've talked to.
>
> > As long as you know the rules about driving in roundabouts, they work
> > surprisingly well.
>
> { snip }
>
> An excellent synopsis (if I may say so) of the rules of roundabouts in the UK.
> Regrettably, however, what you have cited, are the rules according to the Highway
> Code. The reality is somewhat different, and goes like this ...
>
> 1. Enter the roundabout in the lane that suits you
> 2. Go around the roundabout, using whatever lane suits you, even if you change
> your mind halfway around
> 3. Never use direction indicators. They're for poofs.
<snip>
now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test (many many
etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a roundabout' bit out
because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have to go check but, in the meantime,
the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has made all sense got out of the
window anyway.
Jul 15th 2002, 1:20 am
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
Le Mon, 15 Jul 2002 12:43:15 +0100, The Oik <[email protected]> a écrit :
{ snip }
>> An excellent synopsis (if I may say so) of the rules of roundabouts in the UK.
>> Regrettably, however, what you have cited, are the rules according to the Highway
>> Code. The reality is somewhat different, and goes like this ...
{ snip }
> now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test (many many
> etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a roundabout' bit
> out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have to go check but, in the
> meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has made all sense got out
> of the window anyway.
I passed my car test in the UK, and at the time, this was the way that roundabouts
were negotiated. It may have changed. In the past five years, I've probably spent the
grand total of one month on British roads, and 75% of that was on a motorcycle, which
allows (IMHO) for a great deal more flexibility on roundabouts ...
--
Desmond Coughlan |****#1 YGL#4 YFC#1 YFB#1 UKRMMA#14 two#38 Yamaha FJR1300 |BONY#48
ANORAK#11 desmond @ zeouane.org http: // www . zeouane . org
{ snip }
>> An excellent synopsis (if I may say so) of the rules of roundabouts in the UK.
>> Regrettably, however, what you have cited, are the rules according to the Highway
>> Code. The reality is somewhat different, and goes like this ...
{ snip }
> now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test (many many
> etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a roundabout' bit
> out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have to go check but, in the
> meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has made all sense got out
> of the window anyway.
I passed my car test in the UK, and at the time, this was the way that roundabouts
were negotiated. It may have changed. In the past five years, I've probably spent the
grand total of one month on British roads, and 75% of that was on a motorcycle, which
allows (IMHO) for a great deal more flexibility on roundabouts ...
--
Desmond Coughlan |****#1 YGL#4 YFC#1 YFB#1 UKRMMA#14 two#38 Yamaha FJR1300 |BONY#48
ANORAK#11 desmond @ zeouane.org http: // www . zeouane . org
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#18
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Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
Chris Cooke wrote:
>
> There's an introduction to all the rules of the road in the UK here:
>
> http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/roadsafety/hc/
Hmmmm, and it's so heplful to our chums from across the pond that it actually spells
"licence" as "license" on the first page!
Alan Harrison
>
> There's an introduction to all the rules of the road in the UK here:
>
> http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/roadsafety/hc/
Hmmmm, and it's so heplful to our chums from across the pond that it actually spells
"licence" as "license" on the first page!
Alan Harrison
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#19
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Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"a.spencer3" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]... ....
> But - and I'm a Brit - no-one, including the Highway Code, explains what
to
> do 'officially' when you have cars at each entry point (especially on a
> mini-roundabout). Who enters first?
The taxi-driver
Colin Bignell
news:[email protected]... ....
> But - and I'm a Brit - no-one, including the Highway Code, explains what
to
> do 'officially' when you have cars at each entry point (especially on a
> mini-roundabout). Who enters first?
The taxi-driver
Colin Bignell
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#20
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Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
Le Mon, 15 Jul 2002 14:20:17 +0100, Nightjar
<[email protected]> a écrit :
>> But - and I'm a Brit - no-one, including the Highway Code, explains what
> to
>> do 'officially' when you have cars at each entry point (especially on a
>> mini-roundabout). Who enters first?
> The taxi-driver
Keyboard - coffee interface !!! :-D
--
Desmond Coughlan |****#1 YGL#4 YFC#1 YFB#1 UKRMMA#14 two#38 Yamaha FJR1300 |BONY#48
ANORAK#11 desmond @ zeouane.org http: // www . zeouane . org
<[email protected]> a écrit :
>> But - and I'm a Brit - no-one, including the Highway Code, explains what
> to
>> do 'officially' when you have cars at each entry point (especially on a
>> mini-roundabout). Who enters first?
> The taxi-driver
Keyboard - coffee interface !!! :-D
--
Desmond Coughlan |****#1 YGL#4 YFC#1 YFB#1 UKRMMA#14 two#38 Yamaha FJR1300 |BONY#48
ANORAK#11 desmond @ zeouane.org http: // www . zeouane . org
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"The Oik" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]... ....
> now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test
(many
> many etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a roundabout'
> bit out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have to go check but, in the
> meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has made all sense got out
> of the window anyway.
Rule 162 of the Highway code sets out the rules for signalling for the first exit,
any intermediate exit and the last exit or going full circle. In the last case, the
right hand signal is used in the roundabout until the penultimate exit. Some drivers
seem to have been taught to signal right for any exit except the first, changing to
left at the exit before the one they want. If this was ever part of the Highway Code,
it is that part that has been dropped. It is particularly confusing when used by
people going straight ahead.
Colin Bignell
news:[email protected]... ....
> now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test
(many
> many etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a roundabout'
> bit out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have to go check but, in the
> meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has made all sense got out
> of the window anyway.
Rule 162 of the Highway code sets out the rules for signalling for the first exit,
any intermediate exit and the last exit or going full circle. In the last case, the
right hand signal is used in the roundabout until the penultimate exit. Some drivers
seem to have been taught to signal right for any exit except the first, changing to
left at the exit before the one they want. If this was ever part of the Highway Code,
it is that part that has been dropped. It is particularly confusing when used by
people going straight ahead.
Colin Bignell
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#22
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Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
Nightjar <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> > The taxi-driver
>
Thought it was the white van.
Surreyman
news:[email protected]...
>
> > The taxi-driver
>
Thought it was the white van.
Surreyman
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"Desmond Coughlan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Le Mon, 15 Jul 2002 12:43:15 +0100, The Oik
<[email protected]> a écrit :
>
> { snip }
>
> >> An excellent synopsis (if I may say so) of the rules of roundabouts in the UK.
> >> Regrettably, however, what you have cited, are the rules according to the
> >> Highway Code. The reality is somewhat different, and goes like this ...
>
> { snip }
>
> > now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test
(many
> > many etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a
> > roundabout' bit out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have
to
> > go check but, in the meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has
> > made all sense got out of the window anyway.
>
> I passed my car test in the UK, and at the time, this was the way that roundabouts
> were negotiated. It may have changed. In the past five
years,
> I've probably spent the grand total of one month on British roads, and 75% of that
> was on a motorcycle, which allows (IMHO) for a great deal more flexibility on
> roundabouts ...
>
no.... its a 4x4 that allows flexibility (as in, flexibility to look or not). I
gather you are unfamiliar with the rash of spiral jobbies??
news:[email protected]...
> Le Mon, 15 Jul 2002 12:43:15 +0100, The Oik
<[email protected]> a écrit :
>
> { snip }
>
> >> An excellent synopsis (if I may say so) of the rules of roundabouts in the UK.
> >> Regrettably, however, what you have cited, are the rules according to the
> >> Highway Code. The reality is somewhat different, and goes like this ...
>
> { snip }
>
> > now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test
(many
> > many etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a
> > roundabout' bit out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have
to
> > go check but, in the meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has
> > made all sense got out of the window anyway.
>
> I passed my car test in the UK, and at the time, this was the way that roundabouts
> were negotiated. It may have changed. In the past five
years,
> I've probably spent the grand total of one month on British roads, and 75% of that
> was on a motorcycle, which allows (IMHO) for a great deal more flexibility on
> roundabouts ...
>
no.... its a 4x4 that allows flexibility (as in, flexibility to look or not). I
gather you are unfamiliar with the rash of spiral jobbies??
Jul 15th 2002, 2:20 am
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"Nightjar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "The Oik" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]... ....
> > now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test
> (many
> > many etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a
> > roundabout' bit out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have
to
> > go check but, in the meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has
> > made all sense got out of the window anyway.
>
> Rule 162 of the Highway code sets out the rules for signalling for the
first
> exit, any intermediate exit and the last exit or going full circle. In the last
> case, the right hand signal is used in the roundabout until the penultimate exit.
> Some drivers seem to have been taught to signal right
for
> any exit except the first, changing to left at the exit before the one
they
> want. If this was ever part of the Highway Code, it is that part that has been
> dropped. It is particularly confusing when used by people going straight ahead.
>
thats the one, first exit - signal left, any other - signal right until passing the
one before you want, then left. Passed car AND bike test that way (actually, bike
test it was a question, that was still in the days of hands signals - on an RD250?
Hand signals? Bwaahahahaha)
news:[email protected]...
>
> "The Oik" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]... ....
> > now, obviously I haven't seen a UK Highway code since I passed by test
> (many
> > many etc), but the last I heard was that they'd taken the 'signal on a
> > roundabout' bit out because the natives 'found it confusing'. I'll have
to
> > go check but, in the meantime, the advent of the 'spirally marked roundabout' has
> > made all sense got out of the window anyway.
>
> Rule 162 of the Highway code sets out the rules for signalling for the
first
> exit, any intermediate exit and the last exit or going full circle. In the last
> case, the right hand signal is used in the roundabout until the penultimate exit.
> Some drivers seem to have been taught to signal right
for
> any exit except the first, changing to left at the exit before the one
they
> want. If this was ever part of the Highway Code, it is that part that has been
> dropped. It is particularly confusing when used by people going straight ahead.
>
thats the one, first exit - signal left, any other - signal right until passing the
one before you want, then left. Passed car AND bike test that way (actually, bike
test it was a question, that was still in the days of hands signals - on an RD250?
Hand signals? Bwaahahahaha)
Jul 15th 2002, 3:20 am
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Trannie spotting, was Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"a.spencer3" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Nightjar <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > > The taxi-driver
> >
> Thought it was the white van.
>
driving thru Budapest one day, I got cut up by a rusty white Transit. For a minute, I
had a flash back to the UK... Then I realised it had UK PLATES!!!! Everywhere you go,
theres always one......
so, where is the furthest from the UK anyone has spotted a rusty white Trannie with
UK plates???
news:[email protected]...
>
> Nightjar <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > > The taxi-driver
> >
> Thought it was the white van.
>
driving thru Budapest one day, I got cut up by a rusty white Transit. For a minute, I
had a flash back to the UK... Then I realised it had UK PLATES!!!! Everywhere you go,
theres always one......
so, where is the furthest from the UK anyone has spotted a rusty white Trannie with
UK plates???
Jul 15th 2002, 4:20 am
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
I'm a brit living in France I have two cars one left hand drive, the other right hand
drive. I drive often in UK and Europe.
My basic rule is always drive on the same side as everone else.......
Dan Stephenson <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:AA3B81A97088BB3A.E3417191E604F9...lp.airnews.net...
> I'm vacationing in Britain next month and will be renting a car. I've
never
> driven in Britain before (I'm a Texan) so driving on the left will be new for me.
> Is there anything I should "know"? For example, a coworker suggests it is easy to
> jump curbs and blow tires because of the unusual geometries.
>
> Thanks in advance, please post.
> --
> Dan Stephenson
>
> (remove from email address to reply via email)
drive. I drive often in UK and Europe.
My basic rule is always drive on the same side as everone else.......
Dan Stephenson <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:AA3B81A97088BB3A.E3417191E604F9...lp.airnews.net...
> I'm vacationing in Britain next month and will be renting a car. I've
never
> driven in Britain before (I'm a Texan) so driving on the left will be new for me.
> Is there anything I should "know"? For example, a coworker suggests it is easy to
> jump curbs and blow tires because of the unusual geometries.
>
> Thanks in advance, please post.
> --
> Dan Stephenson
>
> (remove from email address to reply via email)
Jul 15th 2002, 4:20 am
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"John.Stolz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm a brit living in France I have two cars one left hand drive, the other right
> hand drive. I drive often in UK and Europe.
>
> My basic rule is always drive on the same side as everone else.......
>
>
well that doesnt work if you've just come off the ferry, now does it??
news:[email protected]...
> I'm a brit living in France I have two cars one left hand drive, the other right
> hand drive. I drive often in UK and Europe.
>
> My basic rule is always drive on the same side as everone else.......
>
>
well that doesnt work if you've just come off the ferry, now does it??
Jul 15th 2002, 4:20 am
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
"a.spencer3" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Stephen C. Gallagher <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >
> > As long as you know the rules about driving in roundabouts, they work
> > surprisingly well.
> >
> >
> And, of course, there's the rather vital point of allowing vehicles coming from the
> right priority until you are able to enter! But - and I'm a Brit - no-one,
> including the Highway Code, explains what
to
> do 'officially' when you have cars at each entry point (especially on a
> mini-roundabout). Who enters first? At the moment, it seems to be the quickest off
> the mark with crossed fingers!
>
> Surreyman
>
Ah, but our N American friends are used to that ;o) 4-WAY STOP junctions, where all
four roads have a STOP sign!
Robin.
news:[email protected]...
>
> Stephen C. Gallagher <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >
> > As long as you know the rules about driving in roundabouts, they work
> > surprisingly well.
> >
> >
> And, of course, there's the rather vital point of allowing vehicles coming from the
> right priority until you are able to enter! But - and I'm a Brit - no-one,
> including the Highway Code, explains what
to
> do 'officially' when you have cars at each entry point (especially on a
> mini-roundabout). Who enters first? At the moment, it seems to be the quickest off
> the mark with crossed fingers!
>
> Surreyman
>
Ah, but our N American friends are used to that ;o) 4-WAY STOP junctions, where all
four roads have a STOP sign!
Robin.
Jul 15th 2002, 5:20 am
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
In article <AA3B81A97088BB3A.E3417191E604F94D.8F19F5761EC521E [email protected]>, Dan
Stephenson <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm vacationing in Britain next month and will be renting a car. I've never driven
> in Britain before (I'm a Texan) so driving on the left will be new for me. Is there
> anything I should "know"? For example, a coworker suggests it is easy to jump curbs
> and blow tires because of the unusual geometries.
I didn't find driving on the left side any problem. The gear shift on the left side
was a bit odd at first, but I got used to that pretty fast. If you're uncomfortable
with that, try getting a car with automatic gear.
Elio's posting about resuming a drive after a stop somewhere on a quiet road is
cartainly valid, and his "keep left" note is a good idea for those occasions.
-H
--
Die Wiener U-Bahn | Information on public transport in Vienna:
http://www.aardvark.at/metro/
Stephenson <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm vacationing in Britain next month and will be renting a car. I've never driven
> in Britain before (I'm a Texan) so driving on the left will be new for me. Is there
> anything I should "know"? For example, a coworker suggests it is easy to jump curbs
> and blow tires because of the unusual geometries.
I didn't find driving on the left side any problem. The gear shift on the left side
was a bit odd at first, but I got used to that pretty fast. If you're uncomfortable
with that, try getting a car with automatic gear.
Elio's posting about resuming a drive after a stop somewhere on a quiet road is
cartainly valid, and his "keep left" note is a good idea for those occasions.
-H
--
Die Wiener U-Bahn | Information on public transport in Vienna:
http://www.aardvark.at/metro/
Jul 15th 2002, 5:20 am
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Driving in Britain tips?
On Sun, 14 Jul 2002 22:52:48 -0700, Dan Stephenson <[email protected]> wrote:
>I'm vacationing in Britain next month and will be renting a car. I've never driven
>in Britain before (I'm a Texan) so driving on the left will be new for me. Is there
>anything I should "know"? For example, a coworker suggests it is easy to jump curbs
>and blow tires because of the unusual geometries.
>
>Thanks in advance, please post.
>--
>Dan Stephenson
>
>(remove from email address to reply via email)
Hi Dan,
There is NO turn on the red traffic signal any where, unless the traffic light shows
a green filter arrow. I always feel odd doing this when driving in the States. You
will find you adapt pretty quickly, I would suggest that you hire an automatic, they
don't always give you one over here ( unlike the USA) and you may have to pay more
but its worth it as you have one less thing to think about! The advice about
roundabouts ( rotaries) is goodTESTTESTTEST-we drive in MA a lot and they just don't
know how to cope with rotaries there <grin>
Then there is the Michigan turn in that stateTESTTEST-that got a bit of
getting used to!!
have fun! Elma in Glasgow, Scotland, UK (Remove spex to reply by email)
>I'm vacationing in Britain next month and will be renting a car. I've never driven
>in Britain before (I'm a Texan) so driving on the left will be new for me. Is there
>anything I should "know"? For example, a coworker suggests it is easy to jump curbs
>and blow tires because of the unusual geometries.
>
>Thanks in advance, please post.
>--
>Dan Stephenson
>
>(remove from email address to reply via email)
Hi Dan,
There is NO turn on the red traffic signal any where, unless the traffic light shows
a green filter arrow. I always feel odd doing this when driving in the States. You
will find you adapt pretty quickly, I would suggest that you hire an automatic, they
don't always give you one over here ( unlike the USA) and you may have to pay more
but its worth it as you have one less thing to think about! The advice about
roundabouts ( rotaries) is goodTESTTESTTEST-we drive in MA a lot and they just don't
know how to cope with rotaries there <grin>
Then there is the Michigan turn in that stateTESTTEST-that got a bit of
getting used to!!
have fun! Elma in Glasgow, Scotland, UK (Remove spex to reply by email)