In a surprising turn of events on one of Britain's busiest motorways, police have exposed a different type of dangerous driver - one going too slowly in the middle lane.
West Midlands Police's Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) recently stopped a motorist on the M6 who was crawling along at speeds significantly below the 70mph limit while stubbornly occupying the middle lane. The incident created a dangerous bottleneck as frustrated drivers attempted to overtake on both sides.
The Hidden Dangers of Under-Speeding
While most motorists worry about speeding tickets, this case highlights the equally serious risks of driving too slowly on high-speed roads. The offending driver wasn't just causing inconvenience - they were creating a genuine hazard by:
- Forcing other vehicles to undertake dangerously
- Causing unexpected congestion and tailbacks
- Increasing the risk of rear-end collisions
- Disrupting the natural flow of motorway traffic
What the Highway Code Really Says
Many drivers remain unaware that Rule 264 of the Highway Code clearly states: "You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past."
The police emphasised that middle lane hogging applies regardless of your speed. Even if you're travelling at the speed limit, camping in the middle lane when the left lane is clear constitutes an offence that could land you with a £100 fine and three penalty points.
A Growing Problem on UK Motorways
This incident isn't isolated. Police forces across the country are reporting increasing numbers of drivers who either lack confidence or awareness about proper lane discipline. The result is often chaotic scenes where the slowest vehicles occupy the middle lanes while faster traffic must weave around them.
Road safety experts warn that both excessive speed and excessively slow driving can be equally dangerous in different circumstances. The key is maintaining appropriate speeds and proper lane discipline to ensure smooth, predictable traffic flow.
