The History of Left-Hand Traffic in the United Kingdom: From Roman Times to Modern-Day Practices

Did horse-drawn carriages in Great Britain travel on the left side of the street? The answer is yes, and this practice dates back to the 18th century and the introduction of the Highway Act of 1835. This article explores the history of left-side driving in the United Kingdom, tracing its roots through ancient Rome to modern times.

Roman Influence and Early Customs

Before the establishment of the left-side driving rule, the world followed different customs. Over three thousand years ago, the people in the Roman empire walked on the left hand side of the road. This practice was not only for pedestrians but extended to vehicles as well. In town streets, vehicles, including horse-drawn carriages, would continue to travel on the left, as exemplified by the rules governing the London Bridge in the 1720s. However, in sparsely populated rural areas, the choice of the side of the road to travel on was left to local convenience.

Transition to the Left in the 18th Century

The tradition of left-side driving in the United Kingdom dates back to the 18th century, a time when horse-drawn carriages were prevalent. The formalization of this practice came with the introduction of the Highway Act of 1835. This act mandated that all vehicles, including horse-drawn carriages, keep to the left side of the road. This law has been a long-standing aspect of British road culture, ensuring consistency and safety on the roads.

Early Rules and Customs

Before the 1835 act, the choice of which side of the road to travel on was determined by local bylaws and customs. In rural areas, particularly on poorly metalled country roads, travelers would choose their own path and pass on the left when meeting another driver. In towns and cities, local authorities implemented bylaws that often copied earlier laws, such as the 1756 statute that codified the crossing of London Bridge.

International Perspective

While the United Kingdom and other countries around the Atlantic followed left-side driving, some developed nations adopted right-side driving laws prior to the widespread use of motor vehicles. For instance, Pitcairn Island did not establish a rule until motor bikes were introduced in 1965, and Bhutan adopted the rule after the opening of a road suitable for motor vehicles in the 1960s. The historical continuity of left-side driving can also be seen in the Austrian Habsburg Empire and in England, where the earliest known rule was established in 1722 for London Bridge.

Challenges and Conflicts

The transition to left-side driving was not without challenges, particularly in dealing with different classes of transport. For example, pack animals were often led by the right hand, and carriage drivers preferred to pass on the right to position themselves between the horse and any oncoming vehicle. These factors sometimes led to conflicts and the need for further regulation.

Despite the widespread perception that left-side driving was a common practice, evidence suggests that it was not universal until Napoleon Bonaparte's conquests. However, the rule of left-side traffic in English common law was well established by the 18th century, and it became part of the Highway Code in 1835.

Conclusion

The practice of left-side driving in the United Kingdom has a rich history rooted in ancient Roman customs, reinforced by legal mandates in the 18th and 19th centuries, and continues to be a significant aspect of British road culture. Understanding this historical context not only enriches our knowledge of motoring traditions but also highlights the evolution of road safety and transportation.