Anyone who frequently drives on the UK’s busy motorways has (probably far more than once) been frustrated by drivers with a tendency to favour the middle lane. It seems to be the “lane of choice” for many motorists, although technically speaking it should only really be used for overtaking vehicles in the “slow lane.”
To quote the Highway Code: “You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear.”
You may be unaware, but in 2013 “road hogging” was decreed an offence in the UK, usually punished with a £100 on-the-spot fine. Now, a driver from Wigan has actually been convicted of the crime and fined nearly £1000 including court costs, according to a report in The Daily Mail.
The driver, Ian Stephens, has described the penalty as “extortionate” and argues that he was overtaking slower vehicles. However, police say he caused multiple vehicles to swerve out of his way, and that he had ample chance to move into the correct lane.
The offence took place in August 2013, and Stephens was first summoned to court in February 2014. However, he was “unable to attend” due to work, according to the report. Cynics will perhaps wonder if the fine would had been quite so punitive if the driver had attended court when first requested.
Mr Stephens intends to appeal the court’s decision.
IMAGE CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons