International and EU students

Road safety

Cycling

If you decide to cycle, wear a cycling helmet and please make sure that the bicycle (bike) has working lights on the front and back. Roads in Portsmouth can be very busy during the rush hour, which is from 08:00am to 09:15am and 05:00pm to 06:00pm, Monday to Friday. There are some cycle lanes in Portsmouth, please use them, but be aware of traffic and pedestrians.

Please remember:

  • You can be fined for riding your bike on the pavement
  • You can be fined for not using lights on your bike at night

You can purchase bike lights from Portsmouth City Council for as little as £10 a set. 

  • Learn the road signs, you need to know where you can and cannot cycle
  • Always follow the Highway Code and obey traffic signals
  • RED means STOP!
  • Don't cycle on the pavement, on pedestrian walkways or in crowded shopping centres. Get off and push your bicycle
  • Show respect for pedestrians, especially elderly people and children
  • Don't cycle against the flow of traffic on one-way streets or on roundabouts
  • Always indicate with your arms before turning left or right into another street. You must show other road users what you intend to do
  • When using shared cycle/walkways always keep to the correct side of the path and use your bell to warn others of your approach
  • Cycle helmets are voluntary but recommended.
  • Buy a very strong bicycle lock and never leave your bike unlocked. Bicycle theft is very common, protect your property

Driving

  • In the UK, you must drive in the LEFT-HAND lane
  • Speeding is an offence and speed cameras are in operation throughout the UK. You must obey the speed limit signs
  • The speed limit on British motorways is 70 mph (112 kmph)
  • It is illegal to drink alcohol and drive and the penalties are severe. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
  • The wearing of seat belts is compulsory
  • It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone at all times when driving and fines can be up to £1000 if the matter goes to court
  • More information about driving in the UK and licence information please click here

It is ILLEGAL to drive without:

  • A valid driving licence
  • A valid Road Tax disc
  • Motor Insurance (minimum - Third Party)
  • Vehicle Registration Documents
  • A current certificate of road-worthiness (MOT) if the car is over three years old

For further information, you can purchase a copy of The Highway Code for the full UK driving regulations. This is available from most bookshops.