London Blat?

[tangomikeromeo]

I found an old thread (courtesy of the focussed google search links in some footers - let’s leave that for another thread please) where the sights of London were taken in. 

https://www.lotus7.club/forum/chitchat/london-sight-seeing-your-seven

And like Markiebabes I’m wondering if there’s any interest or practicalities to consider. 

I think the very early approach still holds probably on a Sunday. 

Anyone interested?  Markiebabes are you still out there and can you share any tips?

[DougBaker]

The ULEZ is 24/7 so many of our cars would have to pay, but that is only £12.50 for a day so not too bad if you come away with some good photos.

[SM25T]

I remember that. It was a great run. But ULEZ now means my 7 not re-entering the ring of fire

[Ian B]

Mines fine 

[tangomikeromeo]

@ SM25T: hopefully £12.50 isn’t that big a proportion of your pocket money!

[SM25T]

Well I don't get much PM these days. I drive into central London a lot in my ULEZ exempt tintop ... but there are so many other things that want to extract money from drivers in London.

[Stephen Long]

I would like to try an early morning run in the City as I have never done it in the seven

 

 

Longy

[Ian B]

Some Sevens aren't subject to the ULEZ charge, but some are 

Check your own here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle-35896

[Golf Juliet Tango]

Thank you Ian.

I hadn't thought to check; I'd prefer to use public transport but

Which is a surprise for a 23 year old car.  Maybe I should check the other one.

[Guy Lowe]

I took part in a night blat through the West End & City a few years ago, it was dreadful.

Too many 20 zones, too many sets of lights, night buses that don’t seem/want to be able to see a 7, too many cameras many of which are in or near the tunnels we crave    I could go on but  suffice to say I would NEVER do it again. 

JMO

[SM25T]

That's my viewpoint too Guy.

[StevehS3]

Can’t be very stringent!

[Penn7s AR]

Hi Will 

It was a fun blat all them years ago and 25 sevens at the drop of a hat was amazing !!!!
I was only expecting 4 or 5 ! 

i don't think it would be that much fun now as cameras everywhere and increased police presence means you can't just pull up and take photos, as we did back then at the major tourist sites .

We ended up at the ace cafe which we had to blag our way in !

If you were planning something, 5am on a Sunday is going to be your best bet and you'd get the sunrise in 

We did get split up but was all part of the fun if you want ill try to find out the route we took ? 

 

 

[tangomikeromeo]

If you can find the route that would be great but I’m coming to the view that 20mph zones, lots of cameras and increased insecurity everywhere makes this a blat best imagined rather than driven. 

But let’s look at the route and I’ll streetview to get a better idea. 

[AlanO]

I read through the original thread and it sounds just brilliant, "London dawn raid"! Did the London blat in 2019 take place? And is the original route still available?

Thinking of doing something similar.

[tangomikeromeo]

Sadly it didn't happen - lockdown/wfh did mean less traffic but the cameras, traffic lights and 20 mph limits that remained put me off. 

[Mrb00ns]

I live just outside Central London and drive in fairly often, sometimes in the tintop but in the Caterham when I can. It's not a great experience, in particular if you aren't used to London drivers, although I am cut a bit more slack in the Caterham than in my other car. The real killer is the C-charge which is now 7 days a week, 7am to 10pm and £15 a pop. If you are caught by the ULEZ too (older caterhams) then you'd be cheaper getting a ferry over to France tbh. And more fun!