Many
travellers choose to drive around Scotland
although it can be costly. If you have several
people sharing expenses it can work out
cheaper. Here are some pointers to note
before you go.
We advise that you read through the information
below and note that driving outside your
own country can be a scary and harrowing
experience with many different rules and
ways of doing things. If you can master
all of these things then the freedom of
having your own transport will be rewarding.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Scottish roads are in good condition. All
of the motorway system and surfaces are
well maintained. In fact they are generally
considered the safest roads in the European
Community. Small country roads can be very
narrow but they traverse beautiful countryside.
RULES AND SPEED
LIMITS
In Scotland cars drive on the left hand
side of the road. Generally priority is
given to vehicles on the right. Vehicles
entering priority roads are under no obligation
to stop unless yielding to another vehicle
on the priority road. When entering a roundabout
you must give way to the traffic on the
roundabout and to the traffic approaching
from your right.
Speed Limits are as follows:
On Motorway: 112kph / 70mph
In Towns: 48kph / 30mph
On Major roads: 65kph / 40mph
In residential areas: 35kph / 20mph
In Scotland you cannot drive if your blood-alcohol
level exceeds 35mg/100ml. Seatbelts are
required by law for the driver and passenger,
and rear passengers if the belts are fitted.
DRIVING LICENSES
Scotland recognizes driving licenses and
other traffic documents that are valid in
other countries. You won't need an international
driving licence if your driving licence
is a EU style with an description in English.
For other people an International Driver's
Permit is a good idea. In Australia get
it from the nearest RACQ, RACV or equivalent
office. In America and Canada and the United
Kingdom it is available from the automobile
association. You only need to be 18 to drive
in Scotland.
You must carry your driving licence, insurance
papers and registration papers (proof of
ownership) with you at all times.
PARKING
Long term parking in large cities can be
expensive. Check if your hotel provides
free or good rate parking. Following parking
rules can be a bit tricky. Usually observing
other cars / people is a good way to work
it out.
Yellow lines indicate parking restrictions:
a double yellow line means no parking, a
single yellow line means no parking from
8am to 6:30pm Monday to Saturday, and a
broken yellow line means that there are
few restrictions. Red lines mean that you
cannot park or stop at any time.
Pay-and-display machines and parking meters
are very common. The tariff and time limit
are shown on the machine. If your car is
illegally parked you maybe fined.
BUYING A CAR
Most travellers will do this before they
get to Scotland. For those working in the
United Kingdom this is probably the best
place to do it. Look in Auto Trader, Exchange
and Mart and Loot which advertise second
hand vehicles. On Market Street in London
(Caledonian Road tube) there is an an informal
traveller's van and car market.
TOP
WHERE TO DRIVE
Anywhere outside of major city centres.
Country areas are particularly rewarding
for drivers as public services can be limited
and you get a better chance of seeing scenery.
ADVICE ON CAR RENTAL
Check what the terms are for hiring. Check
for things like the maximum number of kilometres
specified as you pay so much money per kilometre
over. There are always individual policy
differences about the fuel (i.e you return
it full or empty depending on what you arrange),
and vehicle insurance. Always do some shopping
around to compare prices.
BackpackScotland sells car hire through
Auto
Europe which has worldwide car rental
services. We ask that you consider purchasing
your car hire through them as this revenue
goes back into improving this site.
Auto Europe also have scheduled air from
the USA to Europe, 2,000+ three and four
star hotels, prestige and sports car rentals,
hotel bookings, chauffeur drive and transfer
services, European and South Pacific Motorhome
Rentals, and European cellular phone rentals.
Avis (tel. 800/331-1084; 800/879-2847 in
Canada; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-1982
in New Zealand). http://www.avis.com/
Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; 0144/227-6266
in the U.K.).
Dollar (tel. 800/800-6000; 0181/897-0811
in the U.K., where it is known as Eurodollar;
02/9223-1444 in Australia).
Hertz (tel. 800/654-3001; 800/263-0600 in
Canada; 0181/897-2072 in the U.K.; 02/9669-2444
in Australia; 03/358-6777 in New Zealand).
http://www.hertz.com/
National (tel. 800/227-3876; 0345/222-525
in the U.K.).
Useful Phone Numbers
RAC Royal Automobile Club
FIA member
Tel. +44 0208 686 0088
Automobile Association (AA)
Tel. +44 01256 20123
British Automobile Association
Tel.+44 01336 401 110
Auto Clubs
Australian Automobile Association (tel.
02/6247-7311).
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA, tel.
613/247-0117).
New Zealand Automobile Association (tel.
09/377-4660).
Automobile Association (AA, tel. 0990/500-600).
Royal Automobile Club (RAC, tel. 0990/722-722
for membership; 0345/121-345 for insurance).
American Automobile Association (tel. 800/564-6222).
Emergency Services
Police/Fire/Ambulance Service
Tel. 999
Expressways and main highways usually have
roadside emergency telephones. If there
is an accident involving personal injury
or substantial damage contact a policeman
to make a report. When you rent a car check
your policy to see what cover you get (i.e
is accommodation included if you have car
difficulties etc). Check also to see if
the country has a 24-road service available.
