Queueing for motorway exit on hard shoulder
Discussion
I drove a new route at rush hour this morning and encountered something I've not really come across before.
I was driving on the M11 northbound to take the exit at J13 (A1303/A428). As I approached the junction (probably about 1 mile - 0.5 mile before) there was a queue of traffic on the hard shoulder. I continued in the left hand lane, gradually reducing my speed as I approached the slip road. At the dashed markings for the slip road drivers seemed reluctant to let me in and the driver behind in L1 used their horn.
From my understanding of the highway code you must not drive on the hard shoulder unless in an emergency (or directed by Police, signs etc.). At the junction in question there is no signage so it seems that the many drivers using the hard shoulder are all in breach of the highway code.
It seems to me like there's a sheep mentality; drivers almost blindly following other drivers' actions even if they may not be right.
Although using the LH lane up to the slip road seems to be technically/legally correct it puts you at risk of being rear ended. Queuing with everyone else on the hard shoulder may be morally correct but is contrary to the Highway Code.
Aside from finding a different route, travelling at a different time or junction improvements - what's the advanced driving viewpoint on this?
I was driving on the M11 northbound to take the exit at J13 (A1303/A428). As I approached the junction (probably about 1 mile - 0.5 mile before) there was a queue of traffic on the hard shoulder. I continued in the left hand lane, gradually reducing my speed as I approached the slip road. At the dashed markings for the slip road drivers seemed reluctant to let me in and the driver behind in L1 used their horn.
From my understanding of the highway code you must not drive on the hard shoulder unless in an emergency (or directed by Police, signs etc.). At the junction in question there is no signage so it seems that the many drivers using the hard shoulder are all in breach of the highway code.
It seems to me like there's a sheep mentality; drivers almost blindly following other drivers' actions even if they may not be right.
Although using the LH lane up to the slip road seems to be technically/legally correct it puts you at risk of being rear ended. Queuing with everyone else on the hard shoulder may be morally correct but is contrary to the Highway Code.
Aside from finding a different route, travelling at a different time or junction improvements - what's the advanced driving viewpoint on this?
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