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Minibus & MPV Hire Putney
All you need to know about hiring a minibus or MPV in Putney
With its Thames-side setting and location near some of London's loveliest green spaces, Putney is one of the Capital's most pleasant suburbs.
Situated within the London Borough of Wandsworth in southwest London, England, Putney is known for its open spaces and sports. And, like other areas of London, its riverside location greatly contributes to Putney's ambience. Walks along the river, water sports, a multitude of rowing clubs and riverside pubs and cafes invigorate the area. Rowing is a big part of Putney's history and heritage. It is probably also well known for being the starting place for the famed Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race since 1845 – the two crews set off from the starting University Boat Race Stone on Putney Embankment.
Putney, as an area, has excellent public transport. However, there may be times when you need an MPV or minibus for a planned event or trip. Remember that significant traffic runs east-west along Upper Richmond Road and north-south along Putney High Street. So, the heavy traffic can make driving in Putney particularly slow at busy and peak times. Things are often worse when Hammersmith Bridge is closed, as this has a huge knock-on effect on traffic levels on Putney Bridge in either direction. It's always worth checking if the bridge is subject to any roadworks or closures before setting off.
From a traffic charge point of view, as of October 2021, Transport for London (TfL) expanded the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to extend up to (but not including) the North and South Circular roads (A205 and A406). Some areas in Putney are now included, so you need to check to see if your vehicle is subject to a daily charge. Be aware also that there are also a small number of postcodes that cross the zone boundary. You can check a postcode online to see if it falls within the ULEZ or watch out for ULEZ boundary signs on the street.
If you plan on hiring a minibus or MPV to travel into and around Putney or for a journey out of the area, it's worth getting to know your route. To help you out, we've pulled together a few pieces of information that may make it easier.
The main road links you may need
The A3, known as the Portsmouth Road (or London Road in sections), is a major road connecting London to Portsmouth. Almost all the road is dual carriageway or wider, and it's a popular route out of the area should you be heading to the southwest for a holiday. The South Circular (formally the A205) runs from the Woolwich Ferry in the east to the Chiswick Flyover in the west. Together with the North Circular Road and Woolwich Ferry, it makes a complete ring road around Central London, providing road access to many areas and forming the boundary of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone.
Know your stuff for boat race day
Putney, as mentioned, is the starting place for the famous Oxford v Cambridge University boat race. As with many sporting events, traffic and parking are restricted on boat race day, and a traffic management scheme is generally in operation in the run-up to and during the event. This affects residents and visitors alike. Roads in and out of Putney can also be affected, as well as roads leading out of the area, such as Hammersmith Bridge which is closed to all traffic (inc. bike and pedestrian) on the day of the races from 11 am until 6 pm.
Music, shopping and sports
Putney is home to rowing and cricket and a vibrant area for lunch or dinner, drinks with friends and retail therapy. If you're into music or theatre, you may be looking for transport to take you and yours to a gig or show. Putney is close to the Brixton Academy and the Eventim Apollo (formerly the Hammersmith Apollo). Both are major live entertainment venues.
A drive to walk
Putney has lovely waterside walks along the Thames and a profusion of open space provided by Putney Heath. Both draw many walkers, dog walkers and runners, and the heath is a popular place for family day outs.
Being south of London, Putney is also a great area if you want to go further south and enjoy a day out. For example, you may want to hire a larger vehicle to transport family and friends to Hever Castle in Kent, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Or the picturesque and beautiful Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), one of 46 nationally protected landscapes in the UK. And you're only 58 miles from Brighton if you want a seaside resort offering a pier, The Lanes and some lovely beach adventures.
Tune in locally
If driving in and around the Putney area, get the latest travel news by tuning in to the local radio station. The best local stations for travel reports in the Putney area are BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8.