theaa.com reports that there is a Travel Blackspot on the M-8 at Greeock, Erskine Bridge-what does that mean? We are supposed to take that road to the A-8 to get to the Clyde Ferry.

Also the car rental strongly urged us to have an International Driver's license? Is it really necessary & if so how do we go about getting one? Thanks for the help.

A black spot is merely a congested section - usually at major motorway junctions. It mostly depends on what time of day/day of week you'll be there.

And WHO is suggesting an International Drivers License? Are you dealing w/ a US based company by any chance?

First of all it is not an International Drivers License -- It is an International Drivers <u>PERMIT</u>. It is simply a translation of the info on your Driver's license. If you are from an English speaking country there is no reason to have an IDP.

Hi d,

As J notes, an International Drivers Permit is only a translation of your driver's licese.

If you are going to countries where English is not the first language, it is like insurance; you don't need it until a cop asks for it.

You can get one at your local AAA office, or you can get one by mail from the AAA.

Here is a link to AAA site where you can print application for the international permit and send it in. Fee is $10.

http://www.aaany.com/travel/travel_services/IDP_1.htm

The travel blackspot is due to roadworks on the M8 between junctions 27 and 29. The motorway is down to two lanes both directions and the work is expected to finish on 10th May. It can cause long delays during rush hour.

Thanks for the blackspot info-we will make sure to avoid rush hour.

You guessed it- the US based company that sugggested the International Driver's License is National Car Rental DER (Destination Europe Resources)The license is in English so that is a problem solved.

I have always understood blackspots to refer to areas which have a high incidence of accidents/injuries/deaths not merely a traffic hold up