Highway Code changes lay down the law on new Motorway Rules

Highway Code changes lay down the law on new Motorway Rules

Highway  Code is the official guide  to inform all drivers of their legal obligations and best practice for day-to-day driving.

The use of MUST NOT within the Code signifies that this is a legal requirement and drivers can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

The standard penalty for ignoring a red X symbol is a £100 fixed penalty notice.

The new updates have been made to reflect changes to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (2016) legislation, which sets out the appearance and purpose of the country’s road signs.

Smart motorways

The changes have been made to inform drivers about how they should respond to the red X symbol, which appears on central reservation signs and smart motorway, overhead gantries to inform them of lane closures.

Rule 258 of the Code now states:

“Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal and a red “X” is showing, you MUST NOT drive in the lane shown as closed beyond the signal. This applies until you pass another signal indicating that the lane is no longer closed, by displaying the word “End” or a speed limit sign and you are sure that it is safe to proceed.

“Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or on the side of the road and lane closed sign is showing, you MUST NOT go beyond the signal in any lane.”

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The red X signs are used on around 300 miles of smart motorway where there is no hard shoulder or the hard shoulder has been converted into an extra lane for traffic.

They can be activated remotely to shut a lane affected by a breakdown or accident but there are fears many drivers are ignoring them and having to swerve at the last minute to avoid obstructions.

Until recently, police had to catch you in the act to be able to issue an FPN but since June 10, forces have been able to use footage from gantry cameras to identify offenders and automatically issue then with fines.

Controversy                             

Smart motorways have caused controversy since they were introduced.

On some the hard shoulder has been turned into an extra regular lane either at peak times or permanently. Supporters say this helps add road capacity and ease congestion with relatively little cost.

Matt Pates, who manages the East Midlands division of Highways England, recently argued that hard shoulders were no longer necessary as modern cars were far more reliable than older vehicles.

He also claimed motorways are “as safe, if not safer” without hard shoulders as they are “inhospitable” places for drivers, most of whom now get advanced warning if their car is developing a fault.

Critics, however, argue that removing the Emergency Lane would leaves drivers without somewhere safe to stop should their car develop a sudden fault and puts recovery crews at greater risk. They also argue that not having a clear hard shoulder makes it harder for emergency vehicles to get through traffic when called to an incident.

Government unlikely to end motorway fuel rip-off

 Signs to help drivers compare the cost of motorway fuel have been in the pipeline for two years. But ministers still can’t say when the scheme will be up and running.

Drivers continue to face sky-high motorway fuel prices because the government is dragging its heels on plans to increase competition between service stations.

Investigation carried out by Office of  Fair Trading  in 2013 found that fuel prices were typically 7.5p a litre more for petrol and 8.3p more for diesel on motorways.

The watchdog recommended that a network of signs which compared fuel prices at all the service stations  should be placed on upcoming sections of motorway.This would enable drivers to use the best-value retailer, and the competition would help force prices down and make driving cheaper.

At present, service stations can get away with charging higher prices for fuel as well as for other amenities, because drivers are unable to shop around for cheaper deals.

The OFT’s suggestion was initially welcomed by ministers, with David Cameron announcing in May 2013 that he had ordered the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Highways Agency to begin work on developing a network of signs.But more than two years later, Britain still awaits its first motorway fuel price sign.

Meanwhile, Figures published by the AA at the end of July showed that while the average price for both petrol and diesel was 116.6p a litre, costs on the motorway were more than 10p a litre higher. Service-station diesel cost as much as 127.9p a litre while petrol cost 125.9p a litre at the time the research was carried out.

The government now appears to have changed its tune and is going back on what it clearly stated about a national roll-out in last year’s Autumn Statement and Motorists needing to buy fuel on the motorway continue to be forced to pay over the odds for no apparently good reasons, instead of seeing how these signs work in practice and whether drivers find them a benefit.

www.afzalschoolofmotoring.com

Magistrate court fines 'may rise substantially’

Maximum fines imposed by magistrates are set to rise dramatically under new proposals for England and Wales.

Justice Minister Jeremy Wright said financial penalties "set at the right level" were an effective punishment for offenders.

"Magistrates are the cornerstone of our justice system and these changes will provide them with greater powers to deal with the day-to-day offences that impact their local communities," he added.

His proposals could also see magistrates having unlimited fining powers for offences where there is currently a maximum of £5,000 or more.

Any new legislation would first have to be debated in Parliament but there is no current timetable for any such discussion.

Custody 'option remains'

Most driving offences that could involve a fine in magistrates' courts are subject to specific maximums, known as levels, which currently range from £200 to £5,000 and Some cases, such as environmental offences, can involve even higher fines.

Magistrates take into account the seriousness of the offence when setting the fine level.

Whilst the amount of a fine must reflect the seriousness of the offence, the court must also take into account the financial circumstances of the offender - in other words, their ability to pay.

This applies whether it has the effect of increasing or reducing the fine. Normally a fine should be of an amount that is capable of being paid within 12 months.

The aim is for the fine to have an equal impact on offenders with different financial circumstances.

It should be a hardship but should not force the offender below a reasonable "subsistence" level.

So, someone on benefits caught speeding on motorway, is not going to be given a £10,000 fine that they have no realistic prospect of paying.

The Ministry of Justice said custody would "continue to be used for serious offenders and fines will not become an alternative for those who would otherwise be sent to custody".

Rupert Lipton, director of the National Motorists Action Group, described the proposals as "disproportionate and draconian". He said: "I think it will have a serious chilling effect. We will find motorists will be deterred from going to court where they believe they are not guilty of an offence and there is a potential challenge."

However, the government is only now tabling the appropriate legislation to put that ruling into effect.

Theory Test Fee To Be Reduced by £6.

        Theory Test Fee To Be Reduced by £6.

The cost of theory test could be cut by 25%, saving learner drivers £14.5m a year. The plan would see the cost of a car driving theory test fall by £6 in October this year, taking the cost of theory test from £31 to £25, with a further cut of £2 planned in October 2015.

The consultation follows the government’s commitment to reduce the cost of motoring. The proposal also sets out reductions in motorcycle, bus and lorry theory tests.

You can have say Here.

                

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.