by Peter Scott

Created on: October 20, 2009   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

The automobile is an ideal way to sample the delights of Europe, allowing flexibility, discovery and spontaneity. Although most European countries have major road networks, the true delight is in finding the less traveled roads and exploring as you wish. The freeways are ideal for getting quickly from one point to the next, or crossing borders, but there is no substitute for a good GPS system or a map, and some old-fashioned curiosity.

Apart from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, all of Europe's roads are right-hand drive. While there are some differences in the interpretation of road law and signs, the advent of the European Community (Union) resulted in a more united approach to such matters. For example, France and Italy used to have a system whereby a vehicle on a roundabout had to give way to those entering the roundabout now that has been changed to the usual 'right-of-way' while on a roundabout.

On most European freeways the maximum speed limit is 110kph (about 72 mph) but on some German autobahns and French Autoroutes, it is 130kph (about 80mph). Speed limits through urban areas tends to be 50kph (32mph) and many European cities and towns also have traffic calming measures.

While traffic signals are universally red-amber-green, the sequence can be slightly different. In the UK the sequence before green is red and amber combined, where most other countries' lights change from red to green. In most other European countries, a flashing orange signal at night indicates that the junction is no longer signal-protected, and users should proceed with caution (this is interpreted in many different ways!).

The joy of Europe's roads is its minor and often ancient network, rather than its modern, high-speed ribbons of concrete. The most spectacular roads are those which cross through great natural terrain, such as the majestic Alps which contains Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc. One of the most dramatic drives is the road from Aosta in Italy, to Martigny in Switzerland. This crosses via the wonderful pass at Grand Saint Bernard (of rescue dog fame the monastery is in Martigny), and you don't need much imagination to realize how dangerous this road is in winter (it is regularly closed in times of heavy snow). Such roads provide a wonderful driving experience there is usually little traffic on these routes, since the main route is through a tunnel (likewise for the Mont Blanc tunnel). For some north American motorists these roads are little bigger than golf kart tracks, but for Europeans they provide a connection with the past, as well as the present.

This road also illustrates another feature of traveling across Europe crossing a national border. There is a border checkpoint on the ancient road between Italy and Switzerland, and an Italian border guard may attempt to stop you and check your papers. On major routes between countries, such as the freeway between northern France and Belgium, only goods vehicles have to stop while cars trundle through at 60kph.

Such experiences make a holiday extremely memorable, and your car enables you to sample different cultures in an increasingly approachable and united Europe.

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