UK drivers issued middle lane warning by police officer

The reminder came from Devon and Cornwall Police sergeant Owen Messenger, who highlighted the issue during a motorway drive for road safety content on George's Car Media.

In a TikTok video, Sgt Messenger explains that middle lane hogging is not only frustrating, but also an offence under "due care" regulations.

During the drive, he points out an Audi driver remaining in the middle lane without a clear reason.

@georgescarmedia Middle-lane hogging is still one of the most reported motorway complaints in the UK 😬 Police Officer Owen explains! How should we deal with it? 👇 #roadsafety #ukdrivers #police #trafficofficer ♬ original sound - GCM

Sgt Messenger said: "It's still one of the most annoying habits we see because it clogs up the motorway system.

"It's unnecessary.

"At the moment it's a due care offence so that's a standard of driving that is below that of a careful and competent driver.

"It normally carries points and a fine."

Under rules introduced in 2013, police officers can issue a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points for middle lane hogging.

The Highway Code states drivers should always keep to the left unless overtaking, and should return to the left lane once it is safe to do so.

Sgt Messenger reminded motorists that lane one is the default.

He said: "In the UK we drive on the left so the default position is on the left.

"You've just got to plan how you're driving and what vehicles you're catching up to.

"If you are catching up with heavy goods vehicles then maybe lane one isn't the place to be because you don't want to be going in and out unnecessarily."

The RAC has also weighed in, advising motorists to use "common sense" rather than strictly weaving between lanes.

They suggest that if a driver has overtaken another vehicle and will soon need to overtake again, it is usually reasonable to remain in the middle lane.

Middle lane use may also be appropriate when allowing space for vehicles joining from a slip road, or when approaching a junction and it’s safer to stay out of lane one until past the exit.

In the video, Sgt Messenger confirms the middle lane driver was dealt with "by education" rather than penalty.