Traffic in London is a long-standing problem that has residents and tourists alike feeling frustrated, anxious and concerned on a regular basis. It is known as one of the worst cities in Europe for congestion and people are always on the look-out for ways to avoid London traffic. The London Underground and public transport system operate efficiently on the whole, plus London congestion zones are now a long-established thing. So why do cars and vehicles keep on coming into the capital causing queues, delays and hold-ups?
Despite the irritations of negotiating London traffic delays and trying to avoid London traffic hotspots, the city remains hugely popular with motorists. Whether they are coming in to work, sightsee, go to the theatre or meet friends, people still rely on their cars to get them safely in and out. So, is there anything that you can do to avoid London traffic and discover the best way to get around London?
Avoid London traffic by taking a minicab
There are all sorts of ways to travel around London, including tube, DLR, bus, boat, bicycle and by foot. However, don’t disregard the option of taking a minicab. While you are still sitting in a vehicle, you have the huge advantage of your driver knowing the most effective minicab routes London has to offer. Your minicab driver will know how to avoid London traffic hotspots and how to tackle London congestion zones. Taking a minicab also removes the hassle of finding somewhere to park and having to navigate by sat nav or map as well as concentrate on the road.
Plan ahead to dodge London traffic delays
Wherever possible, plan your journey into London for a time when there will be fewer cars about. Avoid morning and late afternoon rush hour, for example, and aim instead for quieter times of day. Factor time into your schedule for delays and hold-ups. This means that you will feel less frustrated if your minicab does encounter traffic – and means that you are far less likely to miss your train, plan, theatre show or dinner reservation. Book your minicab early too, so that you can be sure of availability when you want it. This is especially important if you are travelling in a larger group as you may need to book a bigger vehicle, or more than one cab.
Research the fastest routes in London
Although your minicab driver will already have a good idea of how to get you to your destination, you can still look up best ways to get around London if you want to have more control over your journey. Your minicab driver should be happy to take your ideas into account, so long as they are not too far out of the way. It is highly likely that you will have both thought of the same routes in any case. Don’t forget to check for roadworks and road closures that could affect your planning. Look for alternative routes in case you come up against something unexpected. If there is a difference in opinion, about which way to go it is better to defer to your driver. They are more likely to have experienced the trip before, understand road safety laws and know the best way to avoid heavy traffic.
Stay safe on your journey
Always book with a reputable minicab company to ensure that you experience a professional, smooth and safe trip. Book the right vehicle for your requirements, for example one with plenty of space to fit luggage in if you are travelling to a London train station or airport. Give yourself plenty of time to get into and around London to avoid stress levels rising and allow time to make rational, safer decisions around negotiating your journey. Always get in and out of your minicab in a quieter area and never open the door into traffic. Keep a close eye on children to make sure they sit quietly in the cab and do not endanger anyone inside, for example by distracting the driver.
