Drivers face three points on licence over motorway rule that gets broken every day

Motorists are being urged to think about their behaviour

15:35, 09 Jul 2025

A fresh crackdown has been launched targeting dangerous driving on our motorways that happens every day.

Anyone who regularly drives on the motorway will likely be familiar with tailgaters getting too close them.

This dangerous and intimidating behaviour is a common sight as impatient motorists try to force others out the way.

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A new National Highways campaign has been launched urging motorists to think about their behaviour behind the wheel, while police operations will be running looking for tailgaters.

Those caught could face a ?100 fine and three points on their licence.

National Highways says more than 140 people are killed or seriously injured each year in tailgating-related incidents on England's motorways and major A-roads.

Nearly half of drivers admit to tailgating at least occasionally, showing how big a problem it is on our roads.

Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: "Tailgating isn't just irritating; it's intimidating and dangerous.

"Most people wouldn't dream of standing right behind someone in a queue or walking on their heels down the street, yet this is exactly what we see on our roads.

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"We're asking drivers to pause and see their actions from a different perspective.

Keeping a safe distance is a small act of respect that saves lives."

Roads bosses are urging drivers to leave at least a two-second gap on dry roads - and four seconds if the road surface is wet.

Shaun Helman, chief scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), said: "This is an innovative approach to shift deeply ingrained driving habits.

"By tapping into the universal discomfort many of us feel around an invasion of our personal space, we're not just advising drivers what to do; we're giving them a relatable life experience to help understand the impact of their actions and encouraging a lasting shift towards more mindful and safer driving behaviours."

References

1. ^ Drivers face three points on licence over motorway rule many don't know exists (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Should councils pay for pothole damage to cars? (xd.wayin.com)
3. ^ Get all the latest motoring news sent to your inbox by signing up to our new newsletter here (www.birminghammail.co.uk)