It's the motorway manoeuvre that drives Brits absolutely spare: middle lane hogging has been officially crowned the most irritating habit on UK roads. According to a major new study, a staggering 61% of British motorists named this as their ultimate driving pet peeve.
The research, conducted by the RAC, exposed a shocking contradiction: while millions find the practice infuriating, nearly a quarter (23%) of drivers actually admit to cruising in the middle lane themselves when the left lane is completely clear.
The Cost of Complacency
This isn't just a matter of etiquette—it's a serious safety and legal issue. Drivers caught lane hogging can be slapped with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on their licence. In more severe cases, they could even find themselves in court facing a maximum £5,000 fine for careless driving.
"The fact that such a high proportion of drivers are annoyed by others hogging the middle lane shows they understand the inconvenience it causes," said RAC spokesman Rod Dennis. "But there remains a core of drivers who admit to doing this themselves, even though they know full well it's wrong."
Other Road Rage Inducers
The survey revealed a comprehensive list of motoring misdemeanours that push British drivers to the brink:
- Tailgating: The second most hated habit, infuriating 59% of motorists
- Not indicating: Aggravating 46% of those surveyed
- Slow road users: A frustration for 37% of drivers
- Using a mobile phone while driving: Despite being illegal, this angered 36% of respondents
Dangerous Distractions
Perhaps most alarmingly, the research uncovered that 8% of drivers—equivalent to 3.3 million licence holders—confess to taking selfies while behind the wheel. Another 7% admit to filming other drivers during road rage incidents, creating potentially volatile situations.
With middle lane misuse causing congestion, increasing frustration, and posing genuine safety risks, experts are urging drivers to remember the basics: keep left unless overtaking. It seems for many Brits, the message still isn't getting through.
