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Minibus & MPV Hire Battersea
All you need to know about hiring an MPV or minibus in Battersea
Part of the London borough of Wandsworth, Battersea is going through an exciting period of redevelopment. It’s home to the Battersea Power Station, Battersea Arts Centre, and of course, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. It also houses Clapham Junction, one of London’s most well-connected rail hubs.
Wander through the borough, and you’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of Battersea Park, a Victorian era playground boasting more than 200 acres of land. The park runs alongside the Thames for a beautiful riverside walk, plus there’s a children’s zoo, various play areas, sports facilities and even the Pump House gallery, which frequently features films, exhibitions and other events.
Battersea itself has plenty to offer the casual tourist. Its Japanese-themed London Peace Pagoda has stunning views of the Thames and offers a moment of quiet meditation from the busy capital, while the famed Battersea Barge, described as a “floating wonderland of entertainment”, provides a unique way to enjoy everything from cabaret to comedy. There’s both a cinema and the Battersea Brewery tucked under the borough’s distinctive railway arches; Gordon Ramsay’s pizza restaurant, Street Pizza, to try for a quick bite; the Lift 109 glass elevator with its panoramic skyline views; and fun for the kids, like Go Ape and Adventure Zone Battersea.
It’s no wonder that more and more people are seeing Battersea as a hot destination in the city, with so much to enjoy across food & drink, entertainment, culture and the great outdoors. Whether you’re thinking of spending quality time there with family or friends, are planning a day out, need a unique place for a hen or stag do, or simply want to tick this fantastic borough off your list, you’ll definitely need a way to get around – and that’s where we come in.
Driving zones
Wandsworth, like most of the capital, has a strict 20mph limit across its residential streets and classified roads. It’s partly a safety move, partly to target air pollution, and partly because residents supported the move – which means you might spot some other control measures, like humps, narrow sections of road and traffic calming measures. Battersea is also in the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), but it’s not currently subject to the Congestion Charge Zone.
Road links
Both Battersea and Albert bridges can be busy in the area, particularly during the rush hour and commuting times. A third bridge, Wandsworth Bridge, is occasionally closed, leading to traffic congestion in other parts of the borough, as well as in and out of Central London. Finally, Battersea has a busy network of A roads, and also has to contend with the bustling hub of Clapham Junction. For these reasons, it’s always wise to check traffic conditions before you travel, such as through local radio stations like BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8. The AA is also a great reliable resource for traffic news.
Events and attractions
One of the biggest benefits of hiring an MPV or minibus is to take family, friends or a large group out for the day – especially if you’re planning an activity like a gig or show. The borough is famous for the Battersea Barge and Battersea Arts Centre, where you can catch live shows and music, as well as comedy routines, talks and workshops. But more widely, you’ll be able to travel with ease to big London venues, like The Royal Albert Hall, the O2, Wembley Stadium, Brixton Academy and more. Nearly all have options for advance parking, and it’s best not to rely on local street parking, where space is at a premium (and may be subject to restrictions or high prices). For family-friendly activities like London’s many theme parks and attractions – think Legoland Windsor, SEA LIFE London Aquarium or Thorpe Park – you’ll usually find on-site parking. Of course, some venues might have restrictions on parking or types of vehicle, so always check the relevant website before you travel.
Airport parking, pick-up and drop-off
Be it business or recreation, London’s many airports are conveniently located around the capital to take you anywhere in the world. These include Gatwick and Heathrow; City; Stansted and Luton; and Southend. There’s lots to bear in mind if you’re using a minibus or MPV, though, including:
- Short or long stay
- Height restrictions
- Drop-off and pick-up zones
- Tolls and charges
- Parking firms and services
A few other things to weigh up include airport cancellation policies, whether charges are covered on your insurance and how different car park prices compare – even in the same airport. And last but not least, one of our top tips for parking your MPV or minivan at an airport is to book early, as that’s when you’re likely to make the biggest savings.
Tolls and charges
Some areas of London are covered by tolls and charges. These include:
- Dartford Crossing: If you use it between 6am-10pm, you’ll likely need to pay a toll, which ranges from £2 to £6 per passage (note that a Dart Charge account can give you cheaper crossing – which might be worth signing up for if you’re regularly in the area). There are some payment exemptions though, like drivers who are entitled to free UK vehicle tax due to a disability. You can pay either online or through a Payzone store and can even pay in advance.
- Congestion Charge: London’s daily congestion charge is £15 but only applies at certain times – currently 7am-6pm on weekdays and 12-6pm on weekends and during bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Find the details here.
- ULEZ: This applies 24/7 (apart from Christmas Day) across all areas within London’s North and South Circular Roads, to vehicles including cars, motorbikes, vans and specialist vehicles (3.5 tonnes and under) and minibuses (5 tonnes and under). The cost is £12.50 per day, and you can make a payment here.
- LEZ: For larger and heavier vehicles, LEZ (low-emissions zone) might apply, so you’ll need to check this on the TfL website.
Other help and advice
Our dedicated team is ready to get you on the open road. Get in touch to find out which vehicles we’d recommend for your group, things you need to know about the area and some of the benefits of using our vehicle hire service – like discounts on insurance and unlimited mileage.