RAC demands 'more enforcement' to tackle little-known rule that is 'common sight' on roads

Experts are calling for stricter penalties to tackle a dangerous issue on Britain's roads. RAC specialists believe that "more enforcement" is needed to address the problems of middle lane hogging and tailgating.

Despite laws being in place "for more than 10 years" to clamp down on these issues, they remain a "common sight" on UK routes. RAC road safety spokesman, Rod Dennis, has voiced his support for a new National Highways awareness campaign and called for stronger action. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the issue and improve road safety over the summer.

Rod stated: "Middle lane hogging and tailgating aren't just irritating driving habits; both are illegal and dangerous, which is why we're in full support of National Highways' campaign."

He added: "Drivers that trail the car in front leave themselves no time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, while those that hog the middle lane prevent others from overtaking which can cause longer queues of traffic," reports the Express.

He further noted: "Penalties for middle lane hogging and tailgating have been in place for more than 10 years, yet both are unfortunately still a common sight on our fastest roads."

He concluded by saying: "While education can clearly be beneficial, more enforcement would send the strongest possible message that this behaviour isn't acceptable."

According to National Highways, offences of lane hogging and tailgating fall under the category of careless driving.

The new regulations could see motorists receiving immediate £100 fines and up to three penalty points on their licenses. With many drivers already stretched in these challenging financial times, these strict penalties may encourage greater care to avoid breaking the law.

National Highways aims to decrease by half the number of individuals killed or seriously harmed on the nation's roads in the next four years through to 2025 in solidarity with the government agency's ambition for a 'zero-harm network'. Rod emphasised: "The Highway Code is clear that you should drive in the left-hand lane unless overtaking and leave at least a two-second gap between you and the car in front. These times should be doubled in bad weather."