Middle lane hogs get the message

Electronic signs warn - but only for a week

By PH Staff / Monday, 10 October 2005 / Loading comments

Britain's middle lane hogs are finally being given the message by the authorities to move left when not actually overtaking.

But it's not what you'd call a blanket campaign. Starting last Friday and continuing until Sunday 16 October, selected motorway message signs will display the message "Keep left unless overtaking". From Saturday 8 October, selected signs displayed: "Don't drink and drive". The two messages will be used on alternate days until Sunday 16 October.

"This is part of an overall government campaign to encourage better driving habits to improve safety and reduce congestion for us all", said the Highways Agency, which is responsible for managing Britain's major roads.

Chief Highway Engineer Ginny Clarke said: "We want all drivers to think about their responsibility behind the wheel. Both how we use motorway lanes and our ability to control our vehicles can impact on other road users and cause accidents.

Better use of motorway lanes will help to avoid causing great irritation to other drivers and keep traffic moving freely. And avoiding alcohol before driving can reduce the risk of accidents caused by impaired reaction and control, which will improve safety for us all".

A total of 180 variable message signs will be used across the country.

The Agency is urging road users to ask themselves:

Have I finished overtaking?
Is the road ahead clear?
Could I move to the left?
Am I holding up traffic behind me by staying in this lane?

The Agency's message campaign will continue into next year. By the end of 2005 there will have been four 'keep left' campaigns. The HA said that analysis from feedback from each campaign will help it build on and enhance the targeting and effectiveness of the messages for future campaigns.