Ofran operates in England through several rental companies, which allow you to rent a car at any of London's airports (including, of course, Heathrow Airport and Luton Airport), at a large number of stations in the center of London, as well as in Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and many other cities.
In rural areas, the roads can be relatively narrow or those that are two-lane with only one lane, so if you are planning a trip in the rural areas, it is advisable to choose a vehicle that is comfortable for you to maneuver with. But beyond that, the highway system throughout the country is excellent and well controlled, and also England itself is a relatively flat country, which makes driving in it an easy task for the average driver.
◾ Driving on the left
In England you drive on the left side of the road, and accordingly the vehicles provided by the rental companies through which Ofran operates have a steering wheel on the right side, as is customary in the countries of the United Kingdom.
It is important to remember how this effects traffic rules. For example, in roundabouts this means that the direction of driving is clockwise, contrary to what is customary in Israel and the right of way is for traffic coming from the right.
Despite the understandable fear of driving in a country where traffic flows in the opposite direction to what we are familiar with, the driving experience in England is maximal and renting a car in England can be easy and simple and make getting from place to place fast and fun.
We recommend you choose automatic car groups that will make driving and adapting to changes easier.
◾ The Congestion Charge
In London, the authorities collect a congestion charge from all vehicles that wish to enter the city center.
The entrance into the toll area is marked by a sign with the letter "C" in white on a red background. The congestion tax must be paid on the day of entry to the city until midnight.
The full details about the fee in London can be read on the official website: click here.
◾ Toll Roads
In the UK there are several toll roads, mainly across the M6 motorway. The billing on these roads is relative to the distance / segment you've driven. You can pay at kiosks at the motorway if there are any, online (by receiving a link to your phone) or by calling the service center, up to 24 hours from when you've driven the road. In some parts of the toll roads there aren't any paying stations. In these cases you must pay the toll in advance or by the next day. More information on the charges you can find here.
◾ Parking
Parking in the big cities is difficult and traffic is congested throughout the work week. Travelers are strongly advised to use the "Park and Ride" parking lots in the suburbs, and to enter the big cities by the excellent public transportation. If you intend to park in the city, be sure not to park near the sidewalks marked with white, a double yellow line or a double red line, it is also recommended to use parking structures (Multi-Storey).
◾ Turning on lights
It is recommended to turn on lights all the time, even more so in winter, especially because the weather is changeable and the range of vision may be limited.
◾ Seat Belts
Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front and the back.
◾ Using the car horn
The use of the horn is prohibited when the vehicle is not moving, except in case of danger.
◾ Entering and exiting the country and traveling on a ferry
Some of the car suppliers allow traveling on a ferry and crossing with the rented car to Northern Ireland and Ireland.
This usually involves an additional insurance cost that is paid directly to the rental company. This also must be indicated in advance when booking the car. Make sure that the transfer on the ferry and departure with the rental car to these countries is indicated on the rental voucher.
Please note that the rental companies we work with in Great Britain and France do not allow travelers to move with the rental car between the countries (in the Channel Tunnel) and such action may result in high fines.
◾ Distance and speed measurements
Please note that, similar to the USA, but unlike other European countries, England indicates distances and speeds in miles and miles per hour and not in kilometers and km/h.
Driving in England during winter
Planning a winter trip to England? Here are some important tips for you:
◾ Winter tires and snow chains
Please note that many countries have different winter laws that sometimes require driving with winter tires and/or snow chains depending on the road conditions. A vehicle with summer tires in the winter season is subject to fines and even immediate shutdown. It is recommended to order snow chains in advance and in any case make sure before leaving the rental station that you know how to put them on and that they fit your vehicle's tires.
We recommend everyone who goes on winter vacations in England to check in advance the relevant laws for the destination country and for each country to which they plan to go with the rental car. You can of course consult our team with any question.
Antifreeze liquid
at very low temperatures, the fuel in the tank may freeze. Therefore, we recommend parking the vehicle in a covered parking lot and/or adding antifreeze liquid to the fuel tank when refueling (a special substance that prevents freezing), which can be purchased at gas stations if necessary.
For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here
and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here
Booking a car in United Kingdom with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.
Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in England