England’s roads authority has launched a campaign aimed at drivers who hog the middle lane on motorways.
Some 32% of drivers admit to middle lane hogging at least “occasionally” and 5% say they “always” do it, according to a recent survey by National Highways.
More than a fifth say they tailgate other drivers, a type of behaviour also covered by the campaign titled Little Changes, Change Everything.
The Highway Code says drivers on motorways and dual-carriageways should use the left lane unless they are overtaking, and allow “at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads”.
Breaking these rules can result in being prosecuted for careless driving, with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points.
National Highways director of road safety Sheena Hague said: “Our campaign aims to motivate motorists to embrace little changes, which will have an overall positive effect on both them and their fellow road users, reduce congestion and keep traffic flowing.”
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RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Middle lane hogging and tailgating are far more than mere annoyances for drivers – these actions put everyone on the roads at risk.”
AA president Edmund King added: “Considerate driving is not just about being kind, but it is about keeping safe.”
Some 198 people were killed and 6,730 seriously injured in crashes on Britain’s roads in the 10 years to the end of 2022 where a vehicle following too close was a factor, according to Department for Transport figures.