Millions of drivers are misunderstanding crucial Highway Code rule

Millions of UK drivers are reportedly misinterpreting a key Highway Code[1] rule, potentially contributing to increased traffic congestion by being "too polite". The confusion arises over the correct point at which drivers should merge into a single lane, such as during motorway[2] lane closures or when two lanes combine. Many motorists opt to merge at the earliest opportunity in an attempt to be courteous and avoid seeming like they're queue jumping.

However, driving[3] experts advise that merging later can actually facilitate a smoother flow of traffic and reduce delays. Despite the Highway Code's guidance supporting this approach, drivers stuck in queues often become frustrated with those who pass them to merge at the last moment, viewing it as bad manners. Some drivers even admit they would actively block others from merging late.

Motoring firm Dick Lovett has highlighted a common misconception among UK drivers regarding lane merging. They said: "Despite the Highway Code stating drivers should wait until the merge point until they go into the non-closing lane, their research found the majority of drivers (68%) tend to move out of a closing lane immediately - or as soon as possible - to be 'polite' to other drivers, with a resounding seven in 10 drivers told Dick Lovett they think it's rude when other drivers don't queue to get in from a closing lane early on. What's more, a third of drivers even said they actively try to stop other drivers from merging in turn when they do so at the 'last minute'."

They added: "If the 68% of drivers moving lanes too early out of politeness decided to use both lanes, up until the merge in turn sign, it would result in less congestion during a lane closure as it allows the traffic to have a more consistent flow. Next time drivers find themselves in slow moving traffic that's approaching a merge in turn sign, they should try to resist the temptation to move over too quickly out of politeness and use all available lanes until they can't anymore.", reports Birmingham Live[4]. They also advised: "Granted, it's difficult to beat the deep-routed British societal expectation of queuing, but moving over too soon will merely cause extended congestion.

Also, try to resist joining the third of drivers who stop people merging if they think they're doing it too late."

They warned: "This could be classed as dangerous driving, and it's not your right to stop people entering the queue."

References

1. ^ Highway Code (www.nottinghampost.com)
2. ^ motorway (www.nottinghampost.com)
3. ^ driving (www.nottinghampost.com)
4. ^ Birmingham Live (www.birminghammail.co.uk)