World City Guide

Getting There By Road

Traffic in Britain drives on the left and overtakes on the right. Main roads are designated by a letter, followed by up to four numbers – an ‘M’ indicates a motorway, ‘A’ a major trunk road and ‘B’ a minor road. The speed limits are 113kph (70mph) on motorways, 97kph (60mph) on single-lane main roads and 48kph (30mph) in built-up areas. Seatbelts are compulsory and motorcyclists must wear helmets. The maximum amount of alcohol allowed in the blood while driving is 0.08%.

The minimum age for driving is 18 years. Overseas driving licences and International Driving Permits are valid for driving in Britain for up to one year. Insurance is mandatory. In addition to licences or permits, overseas visitors using their own car should bring registration documents and check with their insurance company as to whether a Green Card is needed.

Breakdown service and general motoring information is available from the Automobile Association (tel: (0870) 600 0371; website: www.theaa.com), the Royal Automobile Club (tel: (08705) 722 722; website: www.rac.co.uk) and Green Flag (tel: (0845) 246 1557; website: www.greenflag.co.uk).

Emergency breakdown services (toll free):
AA (0800) 887 766
RAC (0800) 828 282
Green Flag (0800) 051 0636

Routes to the city: Glasgow is linked to Edinburgh by the M8 motorway – passing west to the airport and the Clyde Coast – and to England and Wales by the M74, which becomes the M6 further south, toward Manchester. From there, the M1 continues south to London. The Clyde Valley Tourist Route, a more scenic route that runs through the valley parallel to the M74, has distinctive brown and white signs to guide motorists.

Approximate driving times to Glasgow: From Edinburgh – 1 hour; Manchester – 3 hours 50 minutes; London – 7 hours.

Coach services: Coaches arrive at Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street (tel: (0141) 333 3708). Information on all coach and public transport is provided by Traveline (tel: (0870) 608 2608; website: www.traveline.org.uk) and bookings are made with the individual operators.

Scottish Citylink Coaches (tel: (08705) 505 050 ; website: www.citylink.co.uk) offers regular commuter services between Glasgow, Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh (journey time – 70 minutes). Longer distance services from most major Scottish cities (including Campbeltown, Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen) are also available. National Express (tel: (08705) 808 080; website: www.nationalexpress.com) operates nationwide services from London, Manchester and other destinations.