The Unusual London Road Where Drivers Go Right Instead of Left
In a surprising twist, a small road in London has motorists driving on the right side, defying the usual left-hand rule.
London, Savoy Hotel, Savoy Court, Driving Rules, UK
London: If you ever find yourself near the Savoy Hotel on Strand, you might notice something odd. Cars and taxis are actually driving into Savoy Court on the right side of the road. It’s a little like stepping into a different country, but it’s just a quirky part of London.
This small stretch of road doesn’t follow the usual UK driving rules. Instead of sticking to the left, drivers here go right, which is pretty rare in Britain. While there are a couple of other places that do this, Savoy Court is the most talked about.
So, why the switch? It turns out this has been the case for over a hundred years. The layout of the hotel makes it easier for cars to enter and exit if they drive on the right. It’s all about practicality, not rebellion.
A spokesperson from The Savoy explained that this has been the norm for more than a century. They said, “When approaching and leaving the hotel, it’s just easier to do so on the right.” Plus, since Savoy Court is private property, it doesn’t break any traffic laws.
Interestingly, the setup also helps when it comes to getting guests in and out of cars. Typically, a lady or important guest would sit on the right side, allowing the doorman to open the door directly into the hotel. No need to walk around the car!
As for why the UK drives on the left in the first place, it’s believed to date back to Roman times. The most popular theory is that travelers kept to the left to keep their sword hand free in case of an attack. It wasn’t until the 18th century that this became a formal rule due to the rise in horse traffic.
So, next time you’re in London, keep an eye out for Savoy Court. It’s a little slice of driving history that’s definitely worth a look!