The reason roads in England are steered to the right

When travelers arrive in England from a country where they drive on the right-hand side of the road, the first thing they notice is that vehicles are driven on the opposite side. In England, as in countries like Japan, Australia, and India, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. One might wonder why such a unique driving system exists in England and why it has persisted throughout history. To understand the reason behind this driving arrangement, we need to delve into England’s historical, social, and geographical aspects.

The tradition of keeping to the left side of the road can be traced back to medieval times. In the early days, most people were right-handed, and steering a horse-drawn carriage on the left-hand side ensured that the driver’s right hand, commonly the dominant hand, was free to control the whip. By keeping to the left, it was also easier for drivers to fend off potential attackers or engage in swordfights, as they could use their dominant right hand for more effective defense.

The practicality of keeping left continued when horse-drawn carriages transitioned to motorized vehicles in the 19th century. With the rise of automobiles, drivers who were accustomed to keeping to the left had a better field of vision, allowing them to observe oncoming traffic more easily.

Another determining factor for the left-hand driving tradition in England is the country’s geographical proximity to France. Throughout history, England has had close connections with continental Europe, particularly France. In France and most of Europe, people drive on the right-hand side. Due to frequent travels and trade between the two countries, it was important for drivers in England to keep to the left to ensure less confusion and smoother transitions when crossing borders.

The adoption of the left-hand driving system also found support from the British government. In 1756, an Act of Parliament known as the Highway Act urged all travelers to keep to the left side of the road. This legislation provided a legal framework for enforcing this tradition and promoted a harmonious flow of traffic.

Some argue that the left-hand driving system in England has an advantage in terms of safety. By driving on the left, vehicles have less chance of collision between the driver’s side doors, as they are positioned away from the passing traffic. Moreover, when driving on the left, the driver has better visibility of the road ahead, particularly while overtaking other vehicles.

While the left-hand driving tradition has largely remained intact in England, there have been exceptions to this rule. During the late 18th century and early 19th century, mail coaches were deliberately steered on the right-hand side to facilitate easier access and safer disembarking for passengers. Similarly, when trams and trolleybuses were introduced in some English cities, they drove on the right side of the road for operational purposes, allowing passengers to board and alight more conveniently.

In conclusion, the reason roads in England are steered to the right can be attributed to historical, social, and geographical factors. The tradition of driving on the left-hand side started with the need for right-handed people to have better control and defense while traveling in medieval times. England’s proximity to countries where right-hand driving became prevalent, such as France, further solidified this tradition. The safety aspect of keeping to the left and legislation from the government also contributed to the persistence of this unique driving system. So, when you next find yourself driving along an English road, remember the historical roots and practical reasons that have shaped this fascinating tradition.