Driving In Greater London

London may be one of the most popular and well known cities in the world, it's iconic red double decker buses and black cabs are recognised by people all over the world as a familiar sight in the urban city roads. But anyone who lives or regularly drives in the city roads, will know the traffic congestion in London, is certainly nothing to be proud of. London suffers the worst road traffic congestion in the whole of the United Kingdom, and studies have shown that it is also among the worst in Europe.

Prior to the introduction of red routes and congestion charging, the drivers in central London spent 50% of their driving journey waiting in the queues. The local authority had to take various measures to reduce congestion and make the traffic flow more freely. Among many other schemes, red routes and congestion charging was introduced in central London, and now other congested cities are also introducing these schemes.
Red Route:
Red routes are introduced to keep traffic moving and also to reduce vehicles polluting the environment from emissions. You may stop and park, but only within the marked bays and within specified hours. Evening and Sundays, the parking restrictions are relaxed normally.
It is an offence to park within the restricted hours and there is a fixed penalty charge for any drivers parking within the restricted time, the vehicle may also be towed away.
Different Types Of Red Routes
Double Red Line:
Double red line Red Routes are placed at road junctions ad where parking and loading can be dangerous, or may cause congestion - stopping on this Red route not allowed at any time.
Single Red Line:
At single red lines Red Routes, stopping, parking or loading is not allowed during restricted hours which is normally from 7am to 7pm. Parking is allowed anytime after the restricted hours and, any time on sunday.
Red And White Boxes:
Red boxes allow parking or loading during off peak times, make sure you read the sign carefully as some red boxes only allow loading, while others only parking.
White box usually means, parking is allowed at all times, any restrictions will be clearly marked on the signs.

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