A motorist on the M6 in the West Midlands was pulled over by police for breaking a widely misunderstood rule. Officers followed the vehicle for four miles before stopping it at Stafford Services.
Middle-Lane Hogging on the M6
The Toyota Alphard was traveling in the third lane of four, despite the inside lanes being clear. This practice, known as middle-lane hogging, is a common but often unknowingly broken rule on motorways across the country.
Research indicates that lane hogging is one of the most misunderstood motorway rules. Many drivers are unaware they are doing anything wrong as they stay in the middle lane with no vehicles to their left.
Why Middle-Lane Hogging is Dangerous
Drivers should remain in the inside lane unless overtaking. Middle-lane hogging increases congestion and can be dangerous, as it forces other drivers to unnecessarily cross into the outside lane to overtake. It also raises the risk of dangerous undertaking by faster vehicles in the inside lane.
Ghost Plates and Tinted Windows
Officers also reported that the car had heavily tinted front windows and was running so-called ghost plates. Ghost plates are modified license plates that cannot be read by speed or ANPR cameras, allowing reckless drivers to avoid detection for breaking road rules.
Police stated that this is a serious problem on the roads. They said: "M6 J15 to J14 we observed this lane hogger remain in lane 3 for over 4 miles with nothing in lane 1 and 2. Vehicle stopped at Stafford Services. Upon examining the vehicle we found the front windows were heavily tinted & the VRM were ghost plates. Driver reported."
