Motorway Lane Hogging Remains a Growing Issue on UK Roads
Motorway lane hogging continues to be a major problem on UK roads, causing frustration for drivers and leading to increased congestion and potential accidents. Despite efforts to educate motorists on proper lane discipline, many drivers remain unaware or disregard the rules, leading to dangerous situations on the country's busy motorways.
Watch Van Driver Hogging Motorway Lane Whilst Eating Sandwich
Lane hogging occurs when a driver stays in the middle or outside lanes unnecessarily, even when the inside lane is clear. This forces other motorists to overtake from the wrong lanes, leading to tailbacks and raising the risk of collisions. Under the UK Highway Code, drivers are required to keep to the left unless overtaking, but enforcement remains a challenge.
In 2013, new penalties were introduced, allowing police to issue on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points for lane hogging. However, the problem persists, with many motorists either unaware of the law or choosing to ignore it.
Highways England has stressed that middle-lane hogging not only reduces the overall efficiency of the road network but also creates unsafe driving conditions. They urge drivers to adopt better habits, including using the left lane where possible and only moving into the middle or right lanes when overtaking slower traffic.
One Yeovil-based lorry driver expressed his frustration: “Lane hogging causes no end of problems, especially for those of us driving large vehicles. When cars refuse to move over, it makes our journeys longer and more dangerous.”
Road safety experts are urging drivers to be more conscious of lane discipline and calling for stricter enforcement of penalties to deter offenders. Educational campaigns also aim to remind drivers of the importance of staying in the correct lane and ensuring they contribute to smoother and safer motorway journeys for all.
The message remains clear: stay left unless overtaking, and help keep the roads safe for everyone.