Driving in London? Are you mad?!’
That’s the horrified response I normally give when a friend or family member mention driving to London to come and see me. Normally, I advise them to arrive by train.
Why?
I’ve only driven through London ONCE and my stress levels and my blood pressure broke my personal best records from the last 30 years. Not even being trapped on the tube for an hour busting for a pee could beat this!
Driving should be a fun and relaxing experience, and it can be when you are driving along lovely rural roads that aren’t busy at all or packed with other vehicles. But that is not the case when you are driving in a city, there are always too many cars, too many people, traffic and delays. Thankfully, there are some easy tips that you can follow to lower your stress levels when driving in a city like London, and some of them are listed below.
Reserve Your Parking Spot in Advance
The driving is stressful enough when navigating London, but the parking situation is even more daunting. Finding a great parking spot where you know that your car will be safe and you will not have to walk too far to your destination can be nearly impossible in a packed city. You can eliminate this hassle, and the stress that goes along with it, by simply reserving your parking spot in advance. Go to www.yourparkingspace.co.uk, where you can follow a few easy steps to hold a spot that you can pull into as soon as you get to where you are going in the city.
Avoid Rush Hour
If at all possible, avoid rush hour in London, as it is sure to make your stress levels soar. In fact, London is one of the worst cities in Europe when it comes to traffic congestion. When should you avoid driving in the city? Congestion will peak from 4pm to 5pm on Friday evenings, so simply avoiding that hour, as well as driving during off-peak hours, can make a big difference.
Consider Taking the Train
Rather than driving yourself into London, why not take the train instead? If you can stay off the busy roads and get to your destination via a train, you’ll get to your destination with a lot less stress because you’ll be able to put your feet up until you arrive, instead of being stuck behind the wheel. Use www.thetrainline.com for a hassle-free way to book and save money on train tickets.
Drive an Electric Vehicle
A hybrid or fully electric vehicle will be much quieter when driving through London’s traffic, and that alone could make you feel more relaxed. Many drivers find that they are less stressed when they drive an electric car, and it may even have something to do with the fact that they don’t have to worry so much about stopping for fuel as often. The website www.carbuyer.co.uk has reviews of some of the best electric vehicles.
Listen to Relaxing Music
This is the excited face when I listen to Steps
Finally, the right music can calm you down (totally recommend Steps or S Club 7), so put your favourite songs on your playlist in your car and focus on them when you are trying to keep your stress levels in check, no matter how noisy the city that surrounds you is.
If you keep the tips above in mind, you can certainly make your way through London with a lot less stress, whether you drive into the city for work or for pleasure.
