UK car hire Guide

Car hire in the UK is an incredibly competitive industry, with various big names vying for the custom of those that would prefer not to pay the premium rates that rail companies charge for travelling to the main cities. Now you can compare UK car hire to make sure you get the best rate on a vehicle during your stay in the UK. Enterprise rent a car, national car rental, Avis and Budget car hire in the UK are popular suppliers to choose a hire car from.

Car hire driving tips in the UK

Driving in the UK is a good idea given the fact that some areas can’t be accessed by public transport. Even if you were to rely on trains and buses, they are expensive. By arranging cheap UK car hire, you will save not just money, but sometimes travel time too.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: foreign drivers should possess an International Driving Permit, but national licences printed in English are often accepted.

Which side does the UK drive on: the left.

Speed limits:

Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 113kph

National or provincial roads: 96kph

Local roads: 42kph

Urban roads: 42kph

Alcohol limits: drink driving is a serious offence in the UK, and the current limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Anyone that refuses to take a breath test will be arrested and taken to a police station while risking a substantial fine. Depending on how much the limit is exceeded, those exceeding it can face heavy fines and six months in prison. Points are also docked from UK licences.

Driving age: 17 years (21 years if you wish to arrange car rental).

Seatbelts: are compulsory in both front and back seats at all times.

Mobile phones and GPS: using a mobile phone while behind the wheel in the UK is prohibited, whether it involves making a call, accessing the internet or sending a text message. Being in the passenger seat and supervising a learner driver while using a mobile is also an offence. Offenders may face a fine and points on their license. GPS, referred to as Sat Nav in the UK, can be used.

Cost of fuel in the UK: unleaded petrol and diesel prices in the UK are among the globe’s most expensive.

Car hire and fuel payment: UK car rental agencies accept most credit cards, against which a deposit is blocked for damages. Petrol stations accept cash but credit and debit cards can be used too.

Insurance: third-party insurance is included with all UK car rentals; however, full cover in the UK is advised.

Traffic and parking in the UK: parking can be expensive in large cities such as London and Manchester. It can also be difficult to find. Multi-storey car parks are the safest bet but can be pricey. Parking is more reasonably priced in smaller towns where park and ride systems are often in place. Traffic is often backed up in rush hours, when traffic in cities, motorways, towns and even small villages may become snarled. Avoid parking on double yellow lines at all times.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Yorkshire to Manchester – a scenic drive over the Pennines from one of the country’s most charismatic counties to the north’s largest city.

The Peak District – the UK’s most popular outdoor area isn’t to be missed. After a day’s hiking, take a memorable drive around the area.

London to Cornwall – escape the capital and head to the country’s southwestern county of Cornwall, home to Lizard Point, the UK’s southernmost point, and top destinations such as Newquay.

UK travel tips

Due to its history and world-famous culture, the UK is among the most popular destinations in the world for tourists. Given its small size, it’s possible to enjoy all areas of the country on the same holiday without having to spend days on the road or being exhausted.

UK weather and tourist seasons

The UK’s climate is often rainy, even in summer, or cold, particularly in winter. Spring, which runs from March until May, is the coolest and driest season, and is less busy than the summer, from June until late August, when the school holidays are in full swing. Although the UK has a certain appeal during winter, this isn’t one of the most pleasant times to get around the country in a vehicle. Occasional snow may result in roads being closed and public transport grinding to a halt.

UK contact numbers (+44)

Emergency Services – 999

Traffic news/weather/road accidents – 84322

US Embassy – 44 20 7499 9000

Irish Embassy – 44 20 7235 2171

Canadian Embassy – 44 20 7258 6600

Australian Embassy – 44 20 7379 4334

Holidays and festivals

National holidays in the UK fall on New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday. These holidays are in addition to a number of bank holidays as well as Christmas Day and Boxing Day. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, some holidays that aren’t recognised in England are celebrated. As most Brits like to head to the coast over bank holiday weekends, expect to find country lanes and motorways busy, making forward planning essential.

Money matters

The UK uses pounds sterling as its currency, with currency exchanges easy to locate in the large cities and even in the vast majority of post offices. If you are to travel to remote areas of the country, make sure that you have enough currency with you as even ATMs might be difficult to locate and post offices in villages probably won’t be able to exchange foreign currency. Carrying large amounts of cash on your person isn’t advised in the big cities.

Health and safety

Vaccinations aren’t required for visiting the UK and you aren’t likely to experience an upset stomach or dehydration regardless of whether you visit in the height of summer.

Fitting in…

The UK is one of the most cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic countries in the world, meaning that people of all backgrounds and interests are welcomed – but in the typical reserved manner of the Brits. This is a country where the locals stick to protocol, so follow the locals, never jump a queue and enjoy an endless supply of cups of tea to fit in quickly.

Visas for the UK

The UK is known to have strict and complex entry requirements; however, those from other EU countries, such as Ireland, and fellow Commonwealth countries like Canada and Australia, are able to stay in the UK for six months without a visa, as can travellers from the US.

Electricity

The voltage in the UK is 230 Volts, 50 Hertz. An adaptor will be useful for anyone visiting from the US, Australia or Canada. Triangular pin sockets unique to the UK and its former colonies are the standard power points here.

Business hours

British business hours are 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday or Saturday, although shops on the high streets of large cities often open later. On Sunday, expect to be met with reduced opening hours, with many businesses closed in town centres and shopping malls.

Resources online

www.direct.gov.uk/

www.wikitravel.org

www.fco.gov.uk/