Driving rules vary in countries around the world. And it’s not just from country to country. Even in a country, roads are different depending on the state or province.
In the UK, some traffic laws are unique to London. If you just earned your license or haven’t driven in London in a while but plan to resume, there are important points to keep in mind as you move around the city of London. These rules and tips will help you avoid fines or other charges when driving in London in 2025.
Congestion Charge
The congestion charge is a traffic fee designed to reduce traffic in some parts of London. Before making your way into the central London area, from Marylebone to the Castle and Victoria, and some surrounding areas, be prepared for a £15 fee daily. You’ll be charged this amount if you drive through this area between 7.00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 12:00 to 18:00 during the weekend and bank holidays.
Only disabled motorists, two-wheelers, and private hire vehicles are exempted. Every other road user driving in London must pay. However, residents of these areas are given discounts. This fee must be paid promptly to avoid a penalty charge that goes as high as £160 if a driver doesn’t pay by midnight on the day they use the road.
The congestion charge discourages unnecessary use of those roads in central London to reduce heavy traffic, emissions, and noise pollution.
London Ultra Low Emission Zone
Abbreviated to ULEZ, an ultra low emission zone can only be accessed for free by certain vehicles that meet the amount of emission standards allowed in the area. ULEZ covers all of Greater London. When driving to this area, check if your vehicle meets the Euro 4 emission requirement if it runs on petrol, and the Euro 6 emission standard if it’s powered by diesel. Vehicles that don’t meet the requirements are charged £12.5 daily to drive around Greater London.
This restriction runs for 24 hours, every day except on Christmas. If you drive large vehicles such as a lorry or a bus, you’ll pay a higher amount. The goal of the ULEZ is to reduce high carbon emissions from old models of cars, vans, and motorbikes. Usually, you’ll find several signposts around the entryway into Greater London that notify you before driving in. There are cameras around this area that track the movement of cars in and out, charging vehicles that don’t meet the emission standards.
Dartford Crossing
If you plan to use the Dartford Crossing on the M6 toll road and the M25 road, then be prepared to pay an access fee of £2.50. These bridges and tunnels that carry the M25 across the Thames are always teeming with vehicles. Residents get a discount while motorbikes get free passage. For car and van owners, the £2.50 must be paid before midnight on the day you use the road, else there will be a fine.
London Speed Restrictions
Speed restrictions in London vary. A 20Mph restriction is set for many places with visible red signs around the city. You must adhere strictly to this limit to avoid fines and license problems. There are advanced camera systems that take note of cars that go over the speed limit. Therefore, you need to keep alert since long-term drivers in London sometimes violate the limit.
Insurance
Seasoned drivers in London and by extension, across the United Kingdom know the importance of having car insurance. Vehicles without insurance are liable to seizure and the driver fined. Some private medical insurance offered by insurance companies like Premier PMI can cover the care of bodily injury sustained in a car accident.
When learning how to drive in London, it’s imperative to also make inquiries about different car insurance policies that you can explore. For example, endeavour to find out about third-party insurance, the coverage policies, and more. Beyond car policies, some drivers explore additional insurance plans, such as health care packages that cover accidents. To do this, find out how much does private health care cost in the UK to make an informed decision that will benefit you maximally.
Parking
Parking in London can be tricky. You need to plan well and know about parking in London ahead to avoid a tiring experience. The streets of London are super busy and bustling all day. And you can just park anywhere. A smooth London driving experience comes from preparation. So, search online for car park services in London. This allows you to book a space. In central London, booking ahead is probably the only way to get a parking space. This is why a beginner needs someone to give them a heads-up.
When you book a space, use the map to ensure the car park is close to your destination. Another option is to book from people who rent out their own parking space. Renting from such ones can cost you less.
You can also get free parking spaces depending on where you are headed. Supermarkets and malls allow customers to park for about an hour when shopping. On weekends when the tide is low, you may also get free parking spots.
Parking on the street needs careful consideration. Do well to check for road markings. When you see double yellow lines, do not park at all. If the line is single, then you may be able to park for free at some time of the day.
Guard Against Car Theft
Car theft is not a strange thing in London. Yearly, thousands of cars are stolen. Since you’re a beginner with little London driving experience, you need to make sure your car is well equipped with security measures that reduces the chances of theft. Here are things to do to guard against car theft:
- Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight such as on the dashboard, seat, or rear window.
- Fix a robust car security system which features an alarm, tracker, and other solid features.
- Do not park your vehicle in a poorly lit spot at night. Also, avoid places like Enfield, Ealing, and Newham among other places.
- You may consider leaving your glove box empty and open. This way, thieves can see that there are no valuables in the car.
Bus Lanes
Bus lanes can be tempting as they can be empty when everywhere is busy. However, using the bus lanes to cut your journey short or move faster during operational hours leads to fines.