East Lothian car hire
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Cheap car hire in East Lothian
Top tips for hiring a car in East Lothian
- When choosing the type of car to hire in East Lothian, consider a compact car like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. These cars are easy to navigate through narrow streets and tight corners, which are prevalent in East Lothian. Their compact size also makes it easy to find parking spaces in this area, especially when visiting popular tourist attractions. The roads in East Lothian can also be hilly and windy, so a car hire with good handling and reliable brakes is necessary to navigate safely. The Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra are also both equipped with advanced safety features, including ABS braking and traction control.
- It is illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol in East Lothian. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Scotland is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. It is an offence to drive or attempt to drive a vehicle if your BAC exceeds this limit. If caught and convicted of drink-driving in East Lothian, the penalties can be severe.
- There can be challenging times to drive in East Lothian, especially due to rush hour traffic. Generally, the morning rush hour occurs between 07:30 and 09:00, while the evening rush hour typically takes place from 16:30 to 18:30. During these times, roads leading into and out of larger towns, such as Haddington, Dunbar, or Musselburgh, may experience increased congestion. In winter, East Lothian receives a significant amount of snowfall, which can affect driving conditions, particularly on rural or ungritted roads. It is essential to exercise caution and, if required, use snow chains or winter tyres on your East Lothian car hire during these extreme weather events.
- If you plan on operating an East Lothian car hire with children on board, it is important to follow the car seat rules in the city. All children under the age of 12, or under 135 cm in height, are required to use a child car seat when travelling in a car or van. Infants under 15 months old must be in a rear-facing car seat, while children aged between 15 months and 12 years old must use a child car seat appropriate to their weight and height. Car hire agencies in East Lothian usually offer child safety seats as an additional option when hiring a vehicle.
- Book your car hire in East Lothian at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Intermediate hire cars in East Lothian are around 28% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in East Lothian
What is the best car hire company in East Lothian?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in East Lothian are Turo (8,7, 55 reviews), Apex (8,6, 147 reviews), and Ace Rental Cars (8,6, 99 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in East Lothian?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Should I hire a car in East Lothian?
Yes. Hiring a car in East Lothian is a great option, especially for those looking to explore the region independently. Hiring a car offers flexibility in terms of scheduling and route planning, as travellers have the ability to stop and visit sights along the way without having to rely on public transportation schedules or routes. The region around East Lothian has many beautiful and scenic rural areas that are only easily accessible by car. Some of these attractions include Edinburgh Castle, North Berwick, and the Scottish Seabird Centre.
What is driving like in East Lothian?
Drivers in East Lothian tend to be courteous and patient, although traffic can be heavy during peak times. The quality of the roads in East Lothian varies depending on where you drive. Major roads such as the A1 are well maintained, while rural roads in more remote areas may be narrower and require more care when driving. Some popular spots in the region, such as coastal areas, can also experience heavy traffic during peak tourist season.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in East Lothian?
In East Lothian, the minimum age requirement for hiring a car varies based on the car hire company. Typically, the minimum age is 21 years old, although some companies may require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Drivers under 25 years of age may be required to pay a surcharge, and there may be additional restrictions on the types of cars they can hire. To hire a car in East Lothian, drivers must also have a valid driving licence. Most car hire companies require drivers to have held a valid driving licence for at least one year, although some may require two or more years of driving experience.
Car hire locations in East Lothian
Good to know
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
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