Posted by Prue Eckett on June 16, 2004 at 23:01:13 from 222.152.183.252 user PrueEckett.
In Reply to: Driving in the UK (was The Wade) posted by RichardG on June 16, 2004 at 14:14:17:
We found driving in the UK a very positive experience, possibly because for main trips we used the major motorway systems (very fast) and otherwise took our time on the smaller routes. We didn't bother to drive at all in London, shedding our car at Oxford and taking the train into the city. The transport system within London is marvellous and a car just seemed an unnecessary impediment.
If you're looking for efficient roading systems then count out NZ. Most of the country has a simple single carriageway as its major road, which has to cope with the articulated trucks that supply the country with all its produce. Try doing a nose to tail with one of those, especially with almost no passing lanes. However, there are fairly primitive 2 - 4 lane motorways into and out of the main cities. The rail system is pretty much a non-starter and plane fares are high. You can use the inter-city buses if you have plenty of time though.
Driver manners are appalling and the road toll is high, traffic police have to give out a certain number of tickets per shift whether drivers are behaving or not, and the public transport systems within most cities are less efficient than in the 60's.
Given that, if it isn't a public holiday or weekend there is good driving to be found away from the main centres.