A driver has been issued a ticket after being caught “quite happily” cruising in lane 3 of the M4 motorway despite having no vehicles to their left, according to Thames Valley Police Roads Policing Unit.
Officers shared the incident on social media, highlighting that the motorist was travelling at an average speed of 90mph while being followed by an unmarked police car.
Police described the driver’s behaviour as an example of lane hogging — when motorists occupy the right-hand lane unnecessarily, causing congestion and posing a safety risk to others.
“All elements of driving require focus and attention. You cannot simply get into the right-most lane, put your foot down and forget about what you’re doing until it’s time to leave the motorway again,” officers said.
The driver was subsequently pulled over, as shown in the image released by Thames Valley Police, which depicts a blue car stopped on the hard shoulder by an unmarked Volvo police vehicle displaying “POLICE” on its rear display.
Authorities continue to remind motorists that middle and outside lanes should only be used for overtaking, in accordance with the Highway Code. Persistent lane hogging can result in fines and penalty points under careless driving laws.
The force ended their message with hashtags including #lanehogger and #fatalfour — a campaign highlighting the four most common causes of serious and fatal collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, and not wearing seatbelts.
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