SURVIVAL GUIDE - Sydney - page 228

Travelling by Car and Bicycle
Driving is not the ideal way to get around central
Sydney, although cars can be very convenient for
journeys into the suburbs and further afield. The city
road network is confusing, traffic is congested and
parking can be expensive. If arriving in Sydney by car,
make sure that your hotel provides parking. Cycling in
the city can also be difficult and dangerous for those
unfamiliar with Sydney's traffic and road conditions.

DRIVING REGULATIONS

Overseas visitors can use their
usual driving licences to drive
in New South Wales, but must
have proof that they are simply
visiting. When driving ensure
you have your licence or an
International Driver's Permit.
Australians drive on the left-
hand side of the road and
overtake on the right. Speed
limits and distances are given
in metric measurements; in
the city and most suburbs the
limit is 50 km/h (30 mph),
and 100-110 km/h (60-
65 mph) on motor-
ways, freeways
and highways.
Drivers and
passengers must
wear seatbelts.
Drivers must give
way to emergency
service vehicles. At
some clearly marked
intersections, drivers
are allowed to make
a left-hand turn at a
red light after
stopping, but must
give way to pedestrians.
The 0.05 per cent maximum
blood alcohol level for drivers
is enforced by random breath
tests. Drivers found to be over
the legal limit will incur heavy
fines, loss of licence, and even
prison sentences. Should you
be involved in an accident
while over the limit (whether
or not you are at fault), your
insurance may be invalidated.
The NRMA (see p223) has a
free 24-hour roadside service
for members. Most car hire
companies provide free
roadside emergency service.
Many toll roads, including
the Sydney Harbour Bridge
and Cross City Tunnel, are
cashless. If your car does not
have an electronic tag then
phone the RTA on 131 865
within 48 hours to pay.

Traffic on the Harbour Bridge

PARKING

Parking in Sydney is strictly
regulated with fines for any
infringements. In certain areas,
particularly along clearways
(indicated by signposts),
vehicles are towed away
if parked illegally.
Contact the Sydney
Traffic Control
Centre to find out
where your vehicle
has been impounded if
this happens. There
are car parks
scattered around the
city area. They vary
widely, both in how
much they charge and
their opening hours.
Most close after mid-
night, but many close
earlier - check carefully
before parking your car for
the evening.
Look out for the blue and
white “P” signs or seek out one
of the metered parking zones.
Many metered parking zones
apply 7 days a week and as
late as 10pm. This varies from
council to council.

Petrol station with full driveway
service in Balmain (see p131)

DRIVING IN SYDNEY

If you are planning to use a
car to drive around greater
Sydney, you will need a good
street directory. It is best to
avoid the peak-hour traffic
periods (about 7:30-9:30am
and 4-7:30pm). Regular traffic
update reports are broadcast
on many radio stations.
On a positive note, petrol is
relatively cheap, being a little
more expensive than in North
America, but about half the
price of petrol in Europe. Dis-
pensed by the litre, it comes
in super, regular unleaded,
premium unleaded and diesel
grades. Most petrol stations
are self-service and many of
them accept major credit cards.

Beware of
kangaroos crossing

CAR HIRE

Metropolitan rates offered by
the major agencies ( Avis,
Budget , Hertz and Thrifty )
range from about $75 a day
for a small car to $100 a day
for a large car. These rates
usually include comprehensive
insurance. However, many of
the other agencies listed in the
Yellow Pages telephone direc-
tory offer highly competitive

Kerbside Traffic Signs
Always pay strict attention to
Sydney's parking and traffic
signs as fines for infringements
can be very expensive.