National Highways launches campaign against middle lane hogging

Research has revealed that one in three drivers have admitted to middle lane hogging, while one in four have acknowledged guilt of tailgating on England's fastest roads. The campaign, presenting the slogan 'little changes, change everything', is urging drivers to reconsider their habits. It unpacks attitudes such as lane hogging and tailgating, which cause other road users to feel frustrated, anxious, and unsafe.

According to a survey by Ipsos UK for National Highways, 32 per cent of drivers confessed to lane hogging at least occasionally, while 34% observed middle lane hogging during their most recent journeys. It sparked frustration or anger among many respondents. Separately, a massive 67 per cent identified tailgating as a serious problem on motorways and major A roads.

The data, acquired from 2,500 adults aged 16 to 75, showed that 23 per cent of drivers admitted to tailgating at least occasionally.

73 per cent of respondents agreed that following too closely could likely result in an accident, with 75 per cent believing the same applied when others tailgated them. Offences like lane hogging or tailgating fall under the category of careless driving, and can receive on-the-spot fines of GBP100 and the addition of three penalty points, as per law enforcement policies. The campaign is set to air on radio and TV, across social media, and on posters at motorway service stations, retail parks, petrol stations, and roadside billboards.

National Highways director of road safety, Sheena Hague, 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. "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."

Roads minister Guy Opperman said: "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."

References

^ Worcester hospital parking making Oakmont Drive 'dangerous' (www.worcesternews.co.uk)