Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:04 am Post subject: Driving on the left ..... again

After living in Canada for the last 16 of my 72 years, my wife and I planned back in 2017 to do a modern reprise of the 1967 "Around Britain" experience.

Fate, unfortunately stepped in at the last minute which means that I am over here in the UK doing it without her.

It was never intended to try and repeat the original journey which followed the coast as close as possible.

I am now about half way through my 4+ week stay. One question I get asked over and over again is, "you must find it different from when you were last here"

Oh yes it is different. The traffic density is many times greater. Travel times from location to location are longer and at times one can't see the road for the signs. Familiar junctions and roundabouts are often deep in a forest of mature trees that I remember as saplings. Overall, I am enjoying the visit, it is still my "home country". I am coping with the fact that life can sometimes be brutally unfair and as for driving on the left, it's like a duck getting back in the water.

"Big Yellow Taxi" sums it up very well.

Regards from Peter L,

currently looking at a 20mph motorway sign and thinking, " I would settle for even 20mph"

Rootes75 · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 10:09 am Post subject:

I recall when we visited New Zealand a few years back the roads were so pleasant to drive. It was when we got back in the car at Heathrow that it really dawns on you how congested this country really has got!
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Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4755 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7117 Location: Edinburgh

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2467 Location: South Cheshire

Or on a bridge over the motorway, taking in the view?

I feel the same when I see those speed signs on the motorway, though.

BigJohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 954 Location: Wem, Shropshire

Error

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:22 pm Post subject:

I was referring to these signs

They said 20 for the entire 30+ minutes that no one moved.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22437 Location: UK

Ah yes, Smart motorways.

RJ
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Peter_L · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 9:03 am Post subject:

"Saturday 6th July. "Peter gone to Whitby with his Mini" According to a small motoring diary my Mum kept back then. I know I bought it the week earlier from Service Garage (Polar Ford), Dodworth Road, Barnsley.

Back then Sandsend was just a bare area of raised land. This was my first ever solo long distance drive. I believe it was 1963, I passed my test in April of that year. It served us well and hung about in the family until 1969.

Brent29 · Joined: 07 Jun 2018 Posts: 57

Interesting then and now pics Peter.

Peter_L

[quote="peterwpg"]

Combined 600 miles in round trips but we manged to meet up. First time in close to 40 years.

Dave's Lotus, a perfect incentive to keep slim Smile