How to Stay Safe on Busy City Roads

In comparison to quiet country roads, navigating inner city routes can be a stressful and overwhelming part of your journey. Often faced with far more traffic, different road signs and types of road - not to mention ever-changing inner city regulations on  types of vehicles permitted to be driven - it can feel like a minefield. 

Whether you’ve lived in a city all your life, or you can only find yourself in the hustle and bustle of a major city once or twice a year, we could all do with having some tips and etiquette to refresh before a journey. We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to keep you safe whilst driving on a busy city road, so you can feel more confident navigating your next metropolitan excursion. 

Give yourself extra time

You can never predict how many other people are going to be out on the road, especially in busy cities. Even in the lulls of the day, it's advisable to give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes on your expected journey time (even more for rush hours) to account for traffic and other interruptions, meaning you’re less likely to be late to your destination. 

London is one of the most notorious for its congestion, with drivers sitting in traffic an average 101 hours in 2024 over the year - that is almost triple the national average of 32 hours. 

Slow your driving down

We all know the frustration of sitting in traffic, as well as the temptation to accelerate your car after you’ve finally cleared it, but it’s important to maintain appropriate driving speed for the road you’re on. Always remember that when you’re driving in a city, there are far more road users that you need to be aware of,  such as cyclists, buses, commercial vehicles, and parked cars. 

Slowing down will help you to avoid an accident; for every 1mph reduction in speed will decrease the fatality rate in traffic accidents by 6%.  The slower your speed, the better your peripheral vision of the road, plus it will also mean you have a shorter stopping distance should a pedestrian step out into the road. 

Plan your routes with alternatives

Even if you claim to know the city like “the back of your hand”, it is always better to plan a route and consider an alternative should there be an unexpected event,  such as an accident or road works. 

Looking at a maps app or a sat nav before you start your journey will alert you to any major updates to your journey, and, if possible, find routes that you can partly take with public transport as these are designed for inner city spaces. 

If possible, consider avoiding driving during peak time such as the school rush, opting for earlier or waiting until after 9am. It may also be a good idea to check to see if there are any events that may add to the congestion of your route such as a sports game or a concert. 

Choosing the right car

If you’re a regular user of the city roads, you may want to review what type of car you take out onto the road. Smaller cars may be better suited to the narrower roads and congested parking lots, helping you to navigate more easily.

If you’re driving through busy cities frequently, it’s advisable to invest in electric cars to avoid charges through low emissions zones. In some major cities in the UK, you will be charged to drive through them unless you have a zero emissions car, such an electric vehicle. 

In London, you should be aware of the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone), which covers all of the London boroughs, excluding the M25. In other cities, there are Clean Air Zones, which charge different types of vehicles for driving through these zones. Some of the major cities include: Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead).

Upgrading your car’s security is also advisable if you’re going to be parking or leaving your car unattended overnight in a city. If street parking, aim to leave your car in a well lit part of the street and never leave valuables in the car, or especially not leaving them visible from outside the vehicle.

Prepare for the unfamiliar

One of the most important differences between rural driving and city driving is the unfamiliar signs and features that aren’t so common in small towns and the countryside. 

• Bus Lanes: Whether you can use the bus lanes or not will depend on the area and road signs. There will be times where you can drive through them but other times you will be fined. 
• Box Junctions: Distinct by their yellow criss-cross design, box junctions are common throughout cities. Just like most junctions, make sure that you only enter when your exit is clear and there won’t be a chance you’ll have to brake in the middle of them. 
• Tunnels: Make sure you leave a gap of at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead. You’ll also need your light on throughout the tunnel, regardless of how lit they are. 

Stay safe on any road with Kwik Fit

It’s always good to be prepared and safe on any road. With Kwik Fit on your side, your car will be prepped and in best condition. For all your car concerns, visit your local Kwik Fit or contact us for any concerns.

From booking your MOT to checking your brakes for free, let Kwik Fit keep you on the road. For more helpful information, check out our blogs and guides.