Car Hire
Click here to find a car hire company
Own Car
If you have your own car
- Your car must have passed its MOT (annual vehicle safety test). MOT test centres can be found across London.
- You need to pay vehicle tax.
- You must have car insurance.
- You may want to get breakdown cover. This can range from roadside assistance to a more deluxe package providing accommodation, etc. Options include the AA, RAC and Green Flag. Comparison sites include Money Supermarket and Compare the Market.
Congestion Charge
There is a Congestion Charge Zone within central London.
Low Emission Zone
There is also a Low Emission Zone. This is for larger vehicles.
Click here for Low Emission Zone details.
Ultra Low Emission Zone
An Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) in London, within the North and South Circular Roads (the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are not in the zone).
This can apply to
- Cars (petrol and diesel)
- Vans, minibuses and lighter specialist vehicles
- Motorcycles, mopeds and more
- Lorries, coaches and other larger vehicles
See Ultra Low Emission Zone Map.
Parking in London
- Some roads may be free to park on.
- Some roads may be resident (permit) only parking for part of or all day.
- Or you may need to pay at a car parking machine on the roadside (many require you to pay by phone).
- Park in a car park.
- Some people rent out their driveways for car parking, especially for special events.
- You may need a residents permit to park on the road outside your property. This is normally obtained from your local council.
Your Parking Space
Top Tips
- Do not drive in a bus lane – you will be fined.
- It is illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices. This includes being in a traffic queue or if you’ve stopped at traffic lights.
- Every passenger must wear a seatbelt and children must use the correct car seat for their weight until they reach 135 centimetres tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first. Click here for further details.
- Cars are filled with either petrol or diesel (make sure you use the correct fuel).
- Click here to locate the cheapest petrol stations in your area.
- Click here to locate charge points in London for your electric vehicle.
Useful Websites
- Plan your route
- Find parking in London
- Highway Code – road safety and vehicle rules
Main Image Credit: Toby_Parsons | Pixabay
