My drives in the UK now tend to be extended road trips (2-3 weeks). I am constantly refreshed doing so. The roads themselves in the far flung parts of the country (my fave roads are in the highlands in Scotland) are simply some of the most fun in the world. I have driven extensively on the continent also (as a resident), but to me the only thing better than the roads in Scotland for example are those in Ireland (NB: not Northern Ireland where they are fairly abysmal). That is due in large part to the maintenance regime (imposed by the EU) I believe. Perhaps it is a throwback to my motorcycling days in London ('84-'89 as a despatch rider) but the curvy roads in the highlands and the associated centrifugal force are much more exciting to me than sheer speed bursts. I also like acceleration more than sustained high speeds for a similar reason.

Things that become second nature in the UK (and Ireland) and which require no attention diversion after a while are:

- knowing where the last viable passing place was and who is better suited to reversing in any given situation
- varying speed limits when entering commercial or school areas
- real speed limits when on a mountainside coastal road marked for 80
- the acknowledgement of other drivers in situations where it makes everyone's day a little better

I do dislike intensely the delay in getting notices to rental drivers since the police are required to notify the company within 14 days. I understand with large fleets it is not immediate but it does seem to take an inordinately long time.

What I do not dislike is one owning the responsibility for having driven the correct speed. It is this very thing which I believe causes more people than not to observe better driving habits even when out of sight of a "jam sandwich" (sorry, see '80's reference above )