Cars are more than seven years old on average. Pollution is somewhat less than before, since more and more cars run with a catalytic converter, but still the air can be heavy.

There has been a small revolution in Budapest recently: a parking enforcement one. Hundreds of meters were installed, with notices in three languages. And they are regularly read, wheelclamps are applied, if the car does not obstruct traffic, or removed in no time if they do. The area covered by the new system grows every year. Fines are advised to be paid the very same day, since next day it is substantially more. Within 3 days even more.

There are new entrance gates to the Castle District, which will keep you entirely out of certain areas. So you should park before you reach the plateau, and use one of the dozen stairs.

The Communist régime was strong in politics, but - perhaps it's not common knowledge - was weak in everyday life, unable to enforce its petty rules (traffic, parking, housing, building, etc. regulations).

Vans still load in daylight, at high noon, causing bottlenecks at every corner. Traffic manners are non-existent. The bigger the car you have, the more aggressive you are.

Women drivers are considered easy game. If you want to see Budapest driving at its best (worst), try the Pest side of the Lánchíd (Chain Bridge). There is only one lane of the three around the square (the middle one) that entitles cars to get onto the bridge. Stand at the corner with a gas mask and watch the Ayrton Senna manoeuvres to get into that lane; within five minutes you are guaranteed a fine display of mutual recrimination when fender meets offender.