Euros 2012 travel advice

The flights are booked, the car is packed, tickets bought and accommodation sorted. You’re all ready for the big trip to Pol-kraine, there’s nothing left to do now but go! But what should you expect when you get there?

AA Roadwatch is helping Irish supporters making the journey to support the boys in green; the AA Roadwatch team is preparing motorists for the Polish and Ukrainian road networks, we’ve got helpful tips if you’re planning on using public transport while abroad, and we have lots of useful information on fuel, staying safe and currency. 

For all the details you need visit the AA Roadwatch website, but below you will find a flavour of some of the information on offer.

Polish Roads:

• Driving in Poland can be extremely dangerous. In 2010, there were 3,907 road deaths compared with 212 in Ireland.
• Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles. There are few dual-carriageways, and main roads between major towns and cities can be narrow and often poorly surfaced.
• Streetlights, even in major cities are weak and as a consequence, motorists are urged to drive with their headlights on at all times, day and night.
• As is often the case with Ireland, slow moving agricultural vehicles and horse drawn vehicles are common in rural areas and even on main roads.

Driving in the Ukraine:

• A recent study indicates that road traffic injuries already rank among the top 10 causes of death in Ukraine.
• Recent official statistics indicate that more than 22,000 people died and about 90,000 people required medical treatment as a result of road traffic injuries during the 2007-2009 period.
• There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding drink driving. The limit was 0.00% however this has been slightly increased to 0.02% but only to accommodate some prescription medication which may contain alcohol.
• If temporarily taking a vehicle into the Ukraine, an ecological tax must be paid at the border; the amount varies according to engine power. €10 per 1,000cc can be used as a general starting point.

Currency and Fuel

• Neither Poland nor Ukraine use the Euro, the currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty. €1 equates to 4.33 Zloty.
• Most recent figures show unleaded petrol in Poland comes in at 5.89 Zloty per litre which is approx €1.36.
• In terms of diesel prices, in Poland, the cost of diesel is 5.75 Zloty per litre which is approx €1.33 per litre
• In Ukraine, prices are significantly cheaper, €1.06 per litre, just under 10.9 Hryvnia (UAH) for unleaded petrol
• Diesel also works out cheaper, €1 per litre, 10.26 Hryvnia (UAH)

It’s also a good idea before you go to think about what you would do if your vehicle broke down.

What would you do if your vehicle breaks down in Poland/The Ukraine?  You may wish to consider purchasing our European Breakdown Cover.  If your vehicle breaks down whilst travelling abroad, rather than panicking or reaching for the phrasebook, with European Breakdown cover a phonecall to our 24 hour English speaking helpline will solve your problems. We’ll arrange help either through local garages, or with the help of the national motoring clubs and affiliate associations overseas. Plus if you buy online today, you’ll get €15 off the cost of your policy!  To purchase your policy simply call us on 01 617 9988 or click here