Barbados / Driving/Parking

Driving is on the left on Barbados and generally speaking, drivers are fairly courteous and, being quite conservative, they tend to abide by the Highway Code. However do be cautious going around roundabouts, as not all drivers know which lane they ought to be in. You will also need to keep an eye out for Z vans and minibuses which stop in the middle of the road at the drop of a hat. Try to avoid going anywhere during the rush hour, when all of the major roads heading into Bridgetown, Holetown and the South Coast tend to be back-to-back with traffic (the local radio stations have traffic reports during both the morning and evening rush hours). Almost every household on the island seems to own a car, and for those that do not there are plenty of families who have more than one. Some children still walk to school, so as there are very few pavements (sidewalks) you should drive with caution during the start/finish of the school day. Take special care when going around blind corners in rural areas.

Seat belts are compulsory and failure to wear one attracts a fine of BDS$500. The speed limit in Barbados is 37 mph/60 kph except on the highways (55 mph/80 kph) and in Bridgetown (20 mph/32 kph).

Parking

The parking fee for official government- run car parks in Bridgetown and at the airport, is approximately BDS$1 per hour or part thereof. The main car parks in Bridgetown are located at Cheapside Market, The Wharf, Independence Square and Pier Head Lane. Tickets are issued on entering and payment is made on exit.