London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [221]
Traffic lights sometimes have arrows directing left or right turns; try to catch a glimpse of the road markings in time, and don’t get into the turn lane if you mean to go straight ahead. A right turn is not permitted on a red light. Signs at the beginning and end of designated bus lanes give the time restrictions for use (usually during peak hours); if you’re caught driving on bus lanes during restricted hours, you will be fined. By law, seat belts must be worn in the front and back seats. Drunk-driving laws are strictly enforced, and it’s safest to avoid alcohol altogether if you’ll be driving. The legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, which roughly translated means two units of alcohol—two small glasses of wine, one pint of beer, or one glass of whiskey.
UNDERGROUND TRAVEL
London’s extensive Underground train (Tube) system has color-coded routes, clear signage, and many connections. Trains run out into the suburbs, and all stations are marked with the London Underground circular symbol. (Do not be confused by similar-looking signs reading “subway”—in Britain, the word subway means “pedestrian underpass.”) Trains are all one class; smoking is not allowed on board or in the stations. There is also an Overground network serving the further reaches of Inner London. These now accept Oyster cards.
Some lines have multiple branches (Central, District, Northern, Metropolitan, and Piccadilly), so be sure to note which branch is needed for your particular destination. Do this by noting the end destination on the lighted sign on the platform, which also tells you how long you’ll have to wait until the train arrives. Compare that with the end destination of the branch you want. When the two match, that’s your train.
TIP Service on many Tube lines will be disrupted, especially on weekends, as a widespread improvements program continues before the 2012 Olympics. Check the TfL Web site for up-to-date information.
London is divided into six concentric zones (ask at Underground ticket booths for a map and booklet, which give details of the ticket options), so be sure to buy a ticket for the correct zone or you may be liable for an on-the-spot fine of £20. Don’t panic if you do forget to buy a ticket for the right zone: just tell a station attendant that you need to buy an “extension” to your ticket. Although you’re meant to do that in advance, generally if you’re an out-of-towner, they don’t give you a hard time.
For single fares paid in cash, a flat £4 price per journey now applies across all six zones, whether you’re traveling one stop or 12 stops. If you’re planning several trips in one day, it’s much cheaper to buy a tourist Oystercard or Travelcard, which is good for unrestricted travel on the Tube, buses, and some overground railways for the day. The off-peak Oystercard fare for Zones 1–2, for example, is £1.80. Bear in mind that Travelcards cost much more if purchased before the 9:30 am rush-hour threshold. A one-day Travelcard for Zones 1–2 costs £7.20 if purchased before 9:30 am, and £5.60 if bought after 9:30 am. The more zones included in your travel, the more the Travelcard will cost. For example, Kew is Zone 4, and Heathrow is Zone 6. If you’re going to be in town for several days, buy a seven-day Travelcard (£25.80 for Zones 1–2, £47.60 for Zones 1–6). Children 11–15 can travel at discounted rates on the Tube and free on buses and trams with an Oyster photocard (order at least four weeks before date of travel), while children under 11 travel free on the Tube if accompanied by an adult or with an Oyster photocard and on buses at all times. Young people 16–18 and students over 18 get discounted Tube fares with an Oyster photocard.
Oyster cards are “smart cards” that can be charged with a cash value and then used for discounted travel throughout the city. Each time you take the Tube or bus, you swipe