Middle laners get marginalised to the left

‘Hey you! Get over!’
How many times have you curdled with frustration at other drivers’ ill-mannered and plain incorrect driving?

(I know we’re supposed to stay calm while driving, but sometimes, honestly….)

You know what I’m talking about.

The middle lane road hog. The smug-in-the-seat-I-feel-safe-in-this-lane-driver. But, c’mon on guys, look at those other motorists around you who are having to take evasive action.

Did you not correctly read and understand the Highway Code when you passed your driving test? And I quote:

“You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”

Call me a pedant, but that says get out of the middle lane as soon as you can and back into the left hand lane of the motorway – the so-called ‘slow lane’.

Well from today (Friday 16 August) they can be served a fixed penalty notice and a £100 fine for hogging the middle lane, along with those guys who insist on following you to within a millimetre of your rear bumper – the tailgaters.

But will the changes make any difference? Will you notice improved lane behaviour?
Hmmm. I’m not convinced.

You still see plenty of people with the phone gripped to their ear while driving – and talking of which, the fine for using a hand-held mobile phone also rises today from £60 to £100.

I fear we’ll continue to see the menace of the middle lane meanderer for some time yet.

But, if nothing else, the issue has created debate and has created news – so at least the issue is being aired. And not marginalised, like those middle lane road hoggers who should be in the left hand lane!