Experts are calling for stricter measures to tackle dangerous driving habits constantly seen on UK roads.
Specialists at the RAC believe that "more enforcement" is needed particularly where middle lane hogging and tailgating are involved. Despite laws in place "for more than 10 years" targeting these issues, they continue to be a "common sight" on various routes across the country.
Rod Dennis, an RAC road safety spokesman, has called for tougher action, backing a new National Highways awareness campaign aimed at boosting road safety during summer. He said: "Middle lane hogging and tailgating aren't just irritating driving habits; both are illegal and dangerous, which is why we're in full support of National Highways' campaign."
While educating drivers can undoubtedly be beneficial, a more stringent push for enforcement would convey the strongest message against such unacceptable behaviour, reports the Express. National Highways have stated that offences such as lane hogging and tailgating would be seen as careless driving, resulting in on-the-spot fines of £100 and a potential penalty of three points applied to the offender's driving licence. They hope these stringent measures will deter drivers from breaking the law.
The aim is to achieve a significant reduction in road accidents by 2025, with a long-term goal of creating a 'zero-harm network'. Rod emphasised: "The Highway Code is clear that you should drive in the left-hand lane unless overtaking and leave at least a two-second gap between you and the car in front. These times should be doubled in bad weather."