Speed limit rise for motorways

The government has dropped plans for an 80mph speed limit weeks after a minister said that trials could go ahead in 2014.

Patrick McLoughlin, the Conservative transport minister, has ruled out the initiative that was announced at the party conference in 2011, despite the enthusiasm of his junior minister, Stephen Hammond. In 2011, the then transport secretary Philip Hammond said the 70mph limit had been "discredited" and a rise to 80mph would boost the economy.

Hammond told auto express  magazine that trials of the higher speed limit could be carried out in 2014, followed by its introduction nationwide if they are found to be successful.

"We are thinking about how we could trial it rather than go to a consultation. It would be important to have a good evidence-based trial," he said last week.

However sources close to McLoughlin have told the Times: "This is not going to happen with Patrick McLoughlin as transport secretary because Safety is paramount to him and he would not be confident about it." The shadow transport secretary, Maria Eagle, said the government's plans were in chaos.

She said: "Only a week after the roads minister confidently claimed that trials of a new 80mph speed limit were to go ahead, it's clear that the secretary of state has applied the brakes on his own reckless policy."

Downing Street is understood to believe that while the speed increase would be popular with motoring enthusiasts such it could alienate some female voters.

Pressure groups campaigning under the name no to 80 has estimated that raising the motorway speed limit to 80mph could cost society an extra £1bn a year, including £766m in fuel bills and more than £62m in health costs.

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Safety Concerns for Young Drivers

MOST PARENTS of young drivers worry that their children are under prepared for the roads after passing their driving test, according to a survey carried out by insurance company.

A survey was carried out by direct line insurance company, based on 1000 parents of children aged 16–26 who have a driving licence or are expected to learn to drive soon.

The survey found that :

·         23% of parents worried all the time about their child's safety on the road;

·         58% of parents believed their child was not properly equipped to drive on a motorway;

·         36% reckoned their children were under-equipped for driving in congested city centres and 39% admitted they worried for their ability to drive in the dark;

·         64% wanted a minimum learning-to-drive period;

·         50% said their children were distracted by their friends talking to them when they were driving.

Direct Line managing director  said: "Too many young people are killed or injured on Britain's roads today. We need to give young drivers the time to build their confidence and capability to become proficient and safe drivers.

"We welcome the Government's recognition that there is a safety issue involving young drivers by their announcement to publish a Green Paper on young drivers this summer.

 And we hope these measures will all help to reduce the number of car accidents involving drivers under 25s."

If you have never driven on motorway lessons, driven at night, in rain, fog or icy conditions then why not book Pass Plus course or Refresher Course. There is no test at the end of the driving course, you will get a Pass Plus certificate and you can get discount towards your car insurance.

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Driving Lessons For Learner Drivers

Driving Lessons for Learners

Driving lessons are normally for a minimum of 1 hour but the pupil can decide to take 1½, 2 hour driving lessons etc. if it suites them or wish to get to driving test standard quicker.

The Driving Lesson will begin by instructor asking what was covered in last driving lesson and how much of that student can remember . The instructor will have  planned todays lesson and a route relative to the pupils experience and will state todays lessons plan and objectives. 

Through out driving lesson the instructor will monitor the learner, the road and other vehicles very carefully.  The car will have dual controls so that the driving instructor can stop if necessary.

Subjects covered will include:

·         Controls of the car.

·          Moving off & stopping safely.

·          Angled / uphill / downhill start.

·          Turning left & right from major to minor roads.

·          Emerging at T Junctions.

·          Crossroads.

·          Roundabouts.

·          Pedestrian crossings.

·          Meet, cross & overtake other traffic.

·          Turn in the road.

·          Left hand reverse.

·          Reverse park.

·         Bay Parking

·          Emergency stop.

·         Mock Test

·          Show Me / Tell Me.

The subjects will not necessarily be covered in that exact order as much will depend on the  pupils needs.  Also, the lesson plan could change during the lesson if , the pupil is experiencing difficulty in a particular area then the lesson may be diverted to concentrate on that.

Additionally, driving skills such as clutch control, steering, use of mirrors, road positioning, speed and anticipation will be taught and assessed.

You will also be given tuition and practice on town driving, rural driving & dual carriageway driving.

Knowledge of the Highway Code will also be taught and tested during the driving lessons. When the pupil is ready for the test, they will be asked to apply for driving test date.

Middle-lane hoggers on Motorway may face fines

What UK Drivers Need to Know

Middle-lane hogging on UK motorways can lead to fines and penalty points. Learn the rules, penalties, dangers, and how drivers can avoid costly motorway mistakes.

Middle-Lane Hoggers on Motorways May Face Fines

Motorway driving in the UK is designed to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently. However, one driving habit continues to frustrate motorists and concern road safety experts — middle-lane hogging. Drivers who remain in the middle lane unnecessarily could face fines, penalty points, and even accusations of careless driving.

With police continuing to crack down on poor motorway discipline, many motorists are now asking: Is middle-lane hogging illegal? What are the penalties? And how can drivers avoid getting fined?

Here is everything UK drivers need to know about motorway lane discipline and the consequences of ignoring the rules.

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What Is Middle-Lane Hogging?

Middle-lane hogging happens when a driver stays in the middle lane of a motorway without overtaking another vehicle. According to the Highway Code, motorists should normally drive in the left-hand lane unless overtaking slower traffic.

Many drivers remain in the middle lane even when the left lane is completely clear. This behaviour can disrupt traffic flow, cause congestion, and force other motorists into dangerous manoeuvres.

Rule 264 of the Highway Code clearly states that drivers should keep to the left unless overtaking.

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Is Middle-Lane Hogging Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Middle-lane hogging is considered a form of careless or inconsiderate driving under UK traffic laws.

Since 2013, police officers have been able to issue on-the-spot penalties to drivers who unnecessarily occupy the middle lane. Drivers caught lane hogging may receive:

• A £100 fixed penalty fine
• Three penalty points on their licence

Police can issue these penalties without taking the case to court in many situations.

In more serious cases, careless driving offences can result in much larger fines and additional penalties decided by the courts.

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Why Middle-Lane Hogging Is Dangerous

Many motorists view middle-lane hogging as simply annoying, but road safety experts warn it can create serious risks.

1. Causes Congestion

When drivers block the middle lane unnecessarily, faster traffic is forced into the outside lane. This creates bottlenecks and slows down motorway traffic.

Instead of using all available lanes efficiently, vehicles bunch together in the middle and right lanes while the left lane remains empty.

2. Encourages Undertaking

Frustrated drivers may attempt to pass slower vehicles on the left-hand side, a manoeuvre often referred to as undertaking.

Although undertaking is not always illegal, it can be considered dangerous depending on the situation and may lead to careless driving offences.

3. Increases Driver Frustration

Middle-lane hogging can trigger aggressive driving behaviours such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, or speeding. These actions increase the likelihood of motorway accidents.

4. Reduces Motorway Efficiency

Motorways are designed around proper lane discipline. When drivers ignore the rules, traffic flow becomes less predictable and less safe.

Road safety organisations continue to warn that poor lane discipline contributes to unnecessary risks on busy UK roads.

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Why Do Drivers Hog the Middle Lane?

There are several reasons why motorists stay in the middle lane unnecessarily.

Lack of Awareness

Some drivers simply do not realise they are supposed to return to the left lane after overtaking.

Fear of Joining Traffic

Motorists may stay in the middle lane to avoid dealing with vehicles entering from slip roads.

Laziness or Convenience

For some drivers, staying in the middle lane feels easier than repeatedly changing lanes.

Poor Motorway Training

Many motorists passed their driving tests before motorway lessons became more common. As a result, some drivers never developed proper motorway habits.

Surveys suggest that a significant number of UK drivers admit to middle-lane hogging despite knowing it is discouraged by the Highway Code.

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When Is It Acceptable to Use the Middle Lane?

Using the middle lane is not always wrong. There are legitimate situations where remaining in the middle lane is appropriate.

Examples include:

• Overtaking slower-moving traffic
• Allowing vehicles to join from slip roads
• Avoiding hazards on the hard shoulder
• Driving in congested traffic where all lanes are occupied

However, once it is safe to do so, drivers are expected to move back into the left lane.

The key principle is simple: use the left lane unless overtaking.

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How Police Enforce Middle-Lane Hogging Rules

Traffic officers often monitor motorway behaviour using patrol vehicles and roadside cameras.

Drivers may be stopped if officers believe they are:

• Remaining in the middle lane unnecessarily
• Causing congestion
• Driving without due care and attention

Police can issue fixed penalties immediately at the roadside. In some cases, motorists may instead receive warnings or educational advice.

However, repeated or dangerous offences are more likely to result in fines and points.

Road safety campaigns by National Highways and police forces continue to remind motorists about the importance of correct lane discipline.

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Tips to Avoid a Middle-Lane Hogging Fine

Drivers can avoid penalties and improve motorway safety by following a few simple rules.

Keep Left Unless Overtaking

Always return to the left-hand lane after safely overtaking another vehicle.

Check Mirrors Frequently

Regular mirror checks help drivers stay aware of traffic conditions and lane positioning.

Plan Ahead

If you expect to overtake several vehicles close together, remaining briefly in the middle lane may be reasonable. However, do not stay there longer than necessary.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Drivers who lose concentration are more likely to drift into poor lane discipline habits.

Understand the Highway Code

Refreshing your knowledge of motorway rules can reduce the risk of penalties and improve driving confidence.

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Public Frustration Over Lane Hogging

Middle-lane hogging remains one of the most complained-about motorway behaviours in the UK.

Many motorists believe stronger enforcement is needed to improve motorway safety and reduce congestion. Online discussions and driving forums frequently describe lane hogging as a major cause of frustration for regular motorway users.

Road safety experts also argue that better driver education could help solve the problem.

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Final Thoughts

Middle-lane hogging is more than just bad motorway etiquette — it can lead to fines, penalty points, and dangerous driving conditions.

UK drivers are expected to follow proper lane discipline by keeping left unless overtaking. Failing to do so may result in a £100 fine and three points on a driving licence.

As police continue targeting careless motorway driving, motorists should make sure they understand the rules and use motorway lanes correctly.

Good lane discipline not only helps drivers avoid penalties but also makes UK roads safer and less stressful for everyone.