Driving through central London on Boxing Day - bad idea?

Scam

Scam

Scam

Soldato
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I was wondering if anyone used to driving around London may have some input here. I'm picking up a car from E16 and need to get back to my place (Ealing). I know its impossible to say but any guesses how bad it'd be going straight through?

I've never driven the car before (I'm borrowing it), and have never driven around London either. Eek :eek:

I'm at work the day after so unfortunately can't do it at stupid o'clock to make it easier...
 
Google Maps shows a pretty decent route - as long as you avoid the Oxford Street area, you'll be fine. Don't forget you're probably going into the congestion charging zone (unless you take the looooong way round), make sure you pay the toll!
 
Yep already checked the congestion charge. I worded the thread badly though, I meant to ask if it may be quicker and/or more bearable going all the way round the M25 as opposed to straight through!
 
As a regular pedestrian in London I've seen the state of the other drivers, its them I'm worried about!
 
I alwqys try and aviod central London no matter what day of the year it is. The route to Ealing is get on the North Circular to brent cross, keep going to hqnger lane station and follow the signs to Ealing.
 
Scam said:
Yep already checked the congestion charge. I worded the thread badly though, I meant to ask if it may be quicker and/or more bearable going all the way round the M25 as opposed to straight through!
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Driving through central london isn't that bad, if you want to avoid it though you could always go through the blackwall tunnel, then head towards vauxhall bridge. Once you get over the bridge take the next left and go along the embankment (A3212), then head towards shepherds bush for the A40.

Don't even attempt the m25 route that'll probably take forever!
 
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There is a reduced service operating on trains, tube and overground on Boxing Day, so it does mean that some people are more likely to rely on their cars, especially those going for the sales. Ultimately though, the people going for sales is still only going to be a fraction compared to a normal weekday with people commuting, so I would think you will have a fairly easy journey.
 
Definitely do central over the M25. If the M25 is jammed, you're stuck for hours, if the traffic is bad in central your journey is short enough that it still won't take too long. I do it several times per week and it's not that hard, just watch out for the crazy cyclists and you'll be fine.
 
I'm actually split on this, I think the traffic may be bad.

Ealing to E16 is part of a route I regularly drive, and varies a lot... It's either dead, or the worst journey of your life. If it's busy BD (which I'm thinking it may very well be, considering the reduced trains etc), it could end up being terrible.
 
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