Spa/Poland trip

[john_r]

Hi guys - I dropped an email to an associate in Poland last night to ask what to watch out for in Poland when driving... and he just emailed me the following, which they send to people visiting their company who are intending to drive:

• The quality of the roads is really not good.
• There are very few highway/autobahns and the 'normal' road connecting cities is usually three lanes total, giving 1.5 lanes to each side of the road. This can make overtaking a challenge.
• Allow yourself plenty of time getting from A to B; it will always take longer than you think.
• The police are very active in villages, looking for those who are speeding. They have favourite hiding spots, and are difficult to spot. When an oncoming car flashes its headlights at you, it generally means that there is a police car hidden up ahead.
• Fines for speeding are a significant source of income for the Police, hence lots of radar traps and you can expect a fine of between zl 50,000 and 500,000 on the spot - if you are not Polish it will be at the high end.
• The quality of driving in Poland is also bad. Most people have gone from a rusty old heap, to a powerful modern vehicle, but with no additional driving instruction, either on the handling of the vehicle, or how to drive in the incredibly increased volume of traffic on Polish roads.
• The statistics for road accidents/deaths are very high. So please take very, very great care when driving. Safety belts are compulsory and must be used on any car fitted with them.
• Driving under the influence of practically any amount of alcohol is illegal and can mean prison and/or a significant fine as well as removal of your car.
• Speed limits are 60kph (37 miles) within city limits, 90kph (56 miles) outside city limits, 110kph (68 miles) on designated fast roads, and 130kph (8l miles) on motorways.
• Speaking on a mobile phone while driving is illegal (unless it's a hands-free set).
• Cars must be equipped by law with a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher.
• Between October 1st and March 1st you must drive with your headlights on at all times.
• Usual Speed limts: Built-up areas 60kph/37mph; Outside built-up areas 90kph/56mph; Expressways 110kph/68mph; Motorway (very few) 130kph.
• Some residential areas have 20kph zones - near schools and apartment blocks usually.

Hope this helps guys - gutted I can't make it...

Edited by john_r on Monday 1st October 11:00

[AngryS3Owner]

Zero blood alcohol levels... OH !

I think we'll be behaiving on the roads in poland chaps!!!

[Dizeee]

The Rules said:

Driving under the influence of practically any amount of alcohol is illegal and can mean prison and/or a significant fine as well as removal of your car.

Have you made arrangements for any further vehicles you may need when your over there...

[Motown Junk]

john_r said:

Most people have gone from a rusty old heap, to a powerful modern vehicle

Edited by john_r on Monday 1st October 11:00

Doesn't Charlie do this on a daily basis already?

[john_r]

AngryS3Owner said:

Zero blood alcohol levels... OH !

I think we'll be behaiving on the roads in poland chaps!!!

Think one of your front sidelights is out Ben - might be worth a new bulb rather than a Bazillion Polish fine!

Edited by john_r on Monday 1st October 15:00

[AngryS3Owner]

Thanks John, I was a little more concerned about getting the brakes to work right, but that is on the list of things to sort out this week!

[AngryS3Owner]

Charlie, spoke to my insurance company earlier and they say Czech Republic is part of Europe as far as they are concerned, no need for anything other than the certificate etc. so that's all sorted

I've also sorted European breakdown cover, however I won't be needing that as my car is going to behaive, I've had words and we've come to an understanding, I'll get me home, then it will fall to bits outside the house!