Driving in Wales Information for Visitors
Driving in Wales
As Wales is part of the UK, it is subject to UK road regulations. The information I have given below may be helpful to tourists who have never driven in the UK.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding driving in Wales please contact me
Driving Licence
EU licence holders,and those with a licence written in clear English do not need an International Driving permit to
drive in Wales. You must be at least 17yrs of age. Carry all documents with you, because if you are stopped by
the police, or involved in an accident, you must produce these on the spot, or at a police station within 5 days.
Driving on the left
In the UK cars are driven on the left side of the road, and the vehicle controls, steering wheel, pedals, etc; are on
the right side of the vehicle, which unless you are visiting with your own vehicle can be confusing.Most UK vehicle
have manual gearshift. Be careful at road junctions, and roundabouts! At roundabouts, always give way to traffic on
your right. Drive carefullyfor the first few miles.
Roads
Most main roads in Wales are well surfaced, but lanes in the countryside can be
very narrow, so beware of oncoming traffic and farm vehicles.
Road signs are bi-lingual throughout Wales. Signs to tourist attractions are often
brown in colour.
Speed Limits below are in Miles per Hour
Built up areas Single carriageways Dual carriageways Motorways
Cars & Motorcycles 30 60 70 70
Car withCaravan/Trailer 30 50 60 60
Bus/Coach 30 50 60 70
Goods Vehicle up to 7.5T 30 50 60 70
Goods Vehicle over 7.5t 30 40 50 60
These are national speed limits and apply to all roads unless signs show otherwise
Garages (Gas Stations)
Petrol, Diesel, is now sold in Litres not gallons. 1 litre = .25 US gallons. Most UK petrol vehicles use
unleaded petrol.
Most garages are self service ( Operate the pump yourself, then pay at the kiosk)
Motorway Breakdowns
If your vehicle breaks down on a motorway, move safely over to the "hard shoulder" switch on your hazard lights,
all occupants exit the vehicle from the passenger side and move to a safe point behind the crash barrier, do not stay in the vehicle. driver to follow telephone marker posts to the nearest telephone.
This is better than using your mobile as it gives the operator your exact location. The phones are free and connect you directly to the police. if using a mobile phone contact police by dialling 999.
Parking
Before visiting towns make sure you take plenty of money in coins as most parking in Wales is "Pay and Display"
First park your vehicle, obtain a ticket from the nearest machine, and display it clearly on the inside of your
windscreen. Some large towns operate a "Park and Ride" Follow the park and ride signs, park your vehicle,
use the "shuttle bus"(price included) to and from the town centre.
Signs in Welsh you may find useful
Welsh Meaning
ARAF ----------------------SLOW
Dim mynediad ------------ No Entry
Dim... ----------------------No...
Lon ------------------------ Lane
Ffordd -------------------- Road
Llwybr Cyhoeddus --------Public Footpath
Cymru ------------------- Wales
Gwesty -------------------- Hotel
Siop ------------------------ Shop
Swyddf'ar Post ------------ Post Office
Gorsaf ------------------- Station
Heddlu -------------------- Police
Traeth -------------------- Beach
Toiledau ----------------- Toilet
Merched ------------------- Ladies
Dynion -------------------- Gentlemen
Ysbyty --------------------- Hospital
