Overview

• Under Highway Code Rule 264, motorists must stay in the left lane unless overtaking and return when it is safe to do so.
• Police forces across the UK have stepped up enforcement by issuing on-the-spot £100 fines and three penalty points for the careless driving offence of middle lane hogging.
• The renewed crackdown is timed to ease congestion and curb dangerous overtaking as holiday traffic volumes rise.
• Despite the 2013 legislation granting immediate penalties, widespread non-compliance persists on British motorways, road safety experts warn.
• Accumulating penalty points can raise insurance premiums and, in serious cases, result in court action with heavier fines.