phillip gomm said:The whole concept is mindboggling. It would be a logistical nightmare involving huge public education, vast sums of money and a massive amount of staff - and all so we can be like the French.
There was a time when Napoleon was overthrown back in the day and yet there was a chance to force the entire nation of France to drive on the right (or ride horses on that side whatever you like) by Nelson (I think it was Nelson). I believe there was a reason that horse riders started out on the left because of the way the riders would draw their swords by using the right arm.
If someone else would know more then go ahead and share.
There are numerous stories as to why countries drive on the left or right hand side of the road.There was a time when Napoleon was overthrown back in the day and yet there was a chance to force the entire nation of France to drive on the right (or ride horses on that side whatever you like) by Nelson (I think it was Nelson). I believe there was a reason that horse riders started out on the left because of the way the riders would draw their swords by using the right arm.
If someone else would know more then go ahead and share.
I think about a third of the world's population live in a country that drives on the left, including:I guess that has increased the number of countries that drive on the left from a minority to a, err, larger minority
-Alex
Your Instructor is right. The Government did look at changing from left to right a few years ago, but only did it half heartedly. I can see no valid reason for us, or Ireland for that matter, but that's up to them, to switch to driving on the right. If we were attached t mainland Europe, there would be a compelling reason, but as we are an island, why would anyone with a double digit I.Q. even consider it? Ah, that might be the reason then.Whilst I agree traffic flows better in Europe on the opposite side of the road, I'm far too used to driving here on the left. When I was learning to drive, my instructor said our rubbish excuse for a government tried to change it in the UK some few years ago, and it got thrown out because of the danger and confusion it would have.
Plus everyone would have to buy an LHD car. The British government thought it would help European drivers when they drive into our country and/or fly-drive. But at the end of the day, why the government is so obsessed with being more like Europe we will never know.