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Driving regulations in Wales are the same as for the rest of the UK. Main roads are designated by a letter, followed by up to four numbers: an 'M' indicates a motorway, 'A' major trunk road and 'B' minor road. Traffic drives on the left and overtakes on the right. 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 and front-seat passengers, and for 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 driving in Britain 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 Automobile Association (tel: (0870) 550 0600; website: www.theaa.co.uk), the Royal Automobile Club (tel: (0870) 572 2722; website: www.rac.co.uk) and Green Flag (tel: (0800) 001 371; website: www.greenflag.co.uk).

Emergency breakdown services (toll free):
AA (0800) 887 766
Green Flag (0800) 400 600
RAC (0800) 828 282

Routes to the city: The M4 is the main route to Cardiff from elsewhere in the UK (London, Reading, Swindon, Bath, Bristol and Swansea). The main road links with England are via one of the Severn Bridges: the Severn Suspension Bridge (M48) and the Second Severn Crossing (M4). A toll is charged on both bridges (lorries £12.50; vans £8.40; cars £4.20), although only on the westbound route from England into Wales.

Driving times to Cardiff: from Swansea - 1 hour; Birmingham - 2 hours 30 minutes; London - 3 hours.

Coach services: National Express (tel: (0870) 580 8080; website: www.gobycoach.com) runs direct services between Cardiff and other UK cities, including Aberdeen, Bath, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bradford, Bristol, Derby, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, London Victoria, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Nottingham, Sheffield and Swansea. Connections can be made to other major centres. National Express also runs a service to Ireland via the Fishguard-Rosslare ferry. Destinations in mainland Europe (changing at London Victoria) are served by Eurolines (part of National Express). Transline (tel: (01375) 384 499 website: www.translineuk.com) also operates a coach service from Cardiff to London.

Cardiff's coach and bus station is on Wood Street, close to the railway station. About a dozen different coach and bus operators offer services around the city and further afield. Facilities are sparse but include a newsagent, fast-food outlets and a taxi rank.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
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