Main roads are designated by a letter, followed by up to four numbers:

• 'M' (motorway)
• 'A' (major road)
• 'B' (minor road)

Traffic drives on the left and drivers must be at least 17 years old. The speed limits are 113kph (70mph) on motorways, 97kph (60mph) on single-lane main roads and 48kph (30mph) in built-up areas. Seat belts are compulsory for drivers, front-seat passengers and rear-seat passengers (if fitted). Motorcyclists must wear helmets. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%.

Overseas driving licences and International Driving Permits are valid for up to one year. Insurance is mandatory. Overseas visitors bringing their own cars should bring registration documents and check with their insurance company as to whether a Green Card is needed.

Breakdown service and general motoring information is available from:

The M25 encircles Greater London. The M1, M3, M4, M11, M20, M23 and M40 radiate from the capital to the rest of Britain. The M1 goes north all the way to Leeds, the M3 south-west to Southampton, the M4 west to Heathrow airport and Bristol, the M11 north-east to Cambridge and East Anglia, the M20 south-east to Folkestone (from where the A20 continues to Dover), the M23 goes south to Gatwick airport (and continues as the A23 to Brighton) and the M40 north-west to Oxford and Birmingham.

Motorists and their cars can travel by train through the Channel Tunnel from Calais, France to Folkestone in south-east England, courtesy of Eurotunnel.

• Birmingham - 2 hours 15 minutes
• Bristol - 2 hours 45 minutes
• Cambridge - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Folkestone - 1 hour 45 minutes
• Leeds - 4 hours
• Oxford - 1 hour 30 minutes