A third of drivers admit to hogging the middle lane on motorways, survey finds – operators launch campaign to challenge this ‘bad habit’

Almost a third of drivers admit hogging the middle lane on motorways, a National Highways survey has found.

Nearly 32 per cent of those polled said they do this at least ‘occasionally’, including 5 per cent who confessed to ‘always’ doing it. 

The Highway Code states drivers on motorways and dual-carriageways should use the left lane unless they are overtaking. 

Almost a third of drivers admit hogging the middle lane on motorways, a National Highways survey has found (stock image)

And while it warns drivers to leave ‘at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads’, more than a fifth (23 per cent) admitted tailgating. 

Both offences can be prosecuted as careless driving, for which police can hand out £100 on-the-spot fines and three penalty points. 

Sheena Hague, of National Highways, said: ‘Bad habits can make driving on our motorways a challenging experience, as those who lane hog or tailgate frustrate other drivers and make them feel unsafe. Both are dangerous and can cause accidents. 

‘The message is simple: always allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front, and unless overtaking move into the left-hand lane.’ 

The Highway Code states drivers on motorways and dual-carriageways should use the left lane unless they are overtaking (stock image)

Department for Transport figures show 198 people were killed and a further 6,730 were seriously injured in crashes on Britain’s roads in the ten years to the end of 2022 in which a vehicle ‘following too close’ was a contributory factor.

National Highways has launched a campaign with the slogan ‘little changes, change everything’, which warns of the impact of middle lane hogging and tailgating. 

The Government-owned company said poor lane discipline is among the behaviours most likely to cause other road users to feel frustrated, while tailgating often makes people feel anxious, stressed or unsafe. 

Roads minister Guy Opperman said: ‘This Government is on the side of drivers and is listening to their concerns.

‘That’s why this campaign, as part of our Plan for Drivers, aims to tackle middle lane hogging and tailgating, which are not only irritating but dangerous too.’

AA president Edmund King added: ‘Considerate driving is not just about being kind, but it is about keeping safe.

‘The top five types of drivers loathed by AA members are the tailgaters, the lane hoggers, the phone abusers, the lane swoopers, and the undertakers.

‘All these activities are dangerous and indeed stressful for the perpetrators as well as other drivers.

‘Sadly, some people seem to change personalities when cocooned in their metal boxes on wheels.’

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.

‘Closely following another motorist could easily result in a serious collision should the driver ahead need to brake sharply for any reason.

‘The fact nearly one in four drivers surveyed admit to doing so on some of England’s fastest and busiest roads is frightening.’

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk