A new survey has revealed widespread concern among motorists about dangerous lane behaviour on motorways.

It has prompted the AA to call for a national campaign to improve driver lane discipline across the United Kingdom.

Middle-lane hoggers, or centre-lane-only drivers (CLODS), are a key area of complaint despite Highways Agency campaigns on the issue.

In the middle

Research by the motoring organisation found that eight in ten drivers regularly witness risky lane manoeuvres on motorways.

The most frequently observed behaviour is middle lane hogging, reported by 85% of respondents, followed by undertaking (80%) and motorists changing lanes without signalling (79%).

The findings highlight a persistent problem on the country’s 2,300-mile motorway network, where poor lane discipline can lead to congestion, frustration and potentially dangerous situations.

According to the survey, 78% of drivers frequently see motorists “swooping” across multiple lanes at the last minute to reach an exit, while nearly three-quarters (74%) report frequent lane changes even in heavy traffic.

Keep left

Although the data suggests some marginal improvements in certain behaviours, the overall picture indicates that poor motorway lane discipline remains widespread.

“The fact that eight in 10 drivers report seeing risky lane moves shows that poor lane discipline remains far too common,” said Jack Cousens. “These behaviours disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of collisions.”

Under the Highway Code, drivers are instructed to keep to the left lane unless overtaking.

While middle lane hogging is not a specific offence, police can issue a £100 fine and three penalty points if the behaviour is deemed careless driving.

Undertaking is also discouraged outside slow-moving traffic, as it can catch drivers unaware.

The AA believes a combination of confusion about motorway rules and declining visible enforcement is contributing to the problem.

The organisation says a national awareness campaign, coupled with more motorway patrols, could help change driver behaviour.

“We believe it’s time for a renewed national focus on lane discipline, which makes clear that middle lane hogging and careless lane changes are not acceptable,” Cousens said. “Having more traffic officers and police in cars acts as a deterrent to poor behaviour and reassures drivers that the rules are being enforced.”

Multi-lane geography

Regional differences in the research suggest the issue is particularly pronounced in areas with extensive motorway networks.

Drivers in the East Midlands reported the highest levels of middle-lane hogging at 88%.

At the same time, undertaking was most commonly observed in the South East, where 84% of motorists said they regularly see it.

Meanwhile, signalling and lane-changing problems were most noticeable in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

In contrast, drivers in London and North East England reported lower levels of several problematic behaviours.

Not smart

The AA suggests that another factor behind middle lane hogging could be a lack of confidence in using the inside lane on “all lane running” smart motorways.

Some drivers fear encountering broken-down vehicles in live traffic lanes and therefore avoid lane one even when it is clear.

While the instinct may come from caution, the organisation warns that avoiding the inside lane can actually worsen congestion and lead to more undertaking as faster drivers pass on the left and, in turn, the potential for more crashes.

Such behaviour also raises levels of frustration and driver stress, leading to further driver behaviour issues. 

Dazed and confused

Driver education specialists at AA DriveTech say confusion about motorway lane use frequently arises during driver improvement courses.

Many motorists remain uncertain about when to return to the inside lane after overtaking and when undertaking becomes unsafe.

The organisation argues that clearer public messaging and refresher training could significantly improve motorway behaviour.

And the issue has also attracted the government’s attention.

During a recent question-and-answer session hosted by The AA, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged the frustration caused by middle lane hogging, echoing concerns raised by motorists.

Road safety campaigners say improving lane discipline could deliver multiple benefits, including smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion and a lower risk of collisions.

With motorway traffic volumes continuing to rise, motoring groups argue that reinforcing the simple rule of “keep left unless overtaking” may be one of the most straightforward ways to improve safety on Britain’s busiest roads.