News Release

12th June 2004

MOTORWAY ROAD HOGS

Michael Fabricant, a frequent motorway user between Lichfield and Westminster, is fed up with motorists who hog the middle lane - and the Government agrees.

"On a three lane motorway, or wider, the left lane is for normal driving and the middle lane is meant for overtaking only. The outside lane should only be used for overtaking those who are in the middle lane who should, in turn, be overtaking those in the left lane." says Michael Fabricant. "Yet time and time again, motorists abuse the middle lane by driving down it even though there are no cars in the inside left lane. This causes good motorists to have to sweep out from the left lane, out into the third lane, then back into the left lane.

"And far more seriously, hogging the middle lane causes unnecessary congestion and accidents".

Michael Fabricant has asked the Department of Transport whether any research has been conducted into bad lane practice, but David Jamieson, Roads Minister, has answered: 'no'. But Mr Jamieson goes on to say "In order to produce meaningful results, a survey into lane usage would need to be widely based and would be labour intensive and costly. My Department is working to improve lane discipline and to reduce the annoyance that poor lane discipline causes".

When he was then asked by Michael Fabricant if the Transport Department will run a campaign to educate motorists on when to use overtaking lanes, David Jamieson replied "Poor lane discipline does cause annoyance and can reduce road capacity. We are working to improve lane discipline. It is safe driving practice for vehicles using motorways to keep in the left-hand lane unless overtaking, and this advice is reflected in the Highway Code and the Driving Manual. The Theory Test includes questions on motorway lane discipline and the Department produces a leaflet, 'A Guide to Safer Motorway Driving'. Police motorway patrols can, where they think appropriate, pull up motorists for poor lane discipline, and indeed can prosecute where the motorist's behaviour amounts to inconsiderate driving.

"Also, the Highways Agency is currently exploring the possibility of using the variable message signs on motorways (VMS) to encourage lane discipline, alongside their present use for early warning to motorists about traffic queues ahead and advice on diversion routes. We will keep the issue under review, and will further strengthen the actions described, and reshape our information programmes as required" David Jamieson adds.