Police have clarified the rules on how drivers should correctly merge lanes in the UK, a situation thousands face daily when two or three lanes merge into one due to closures. This often results in a long line of single-file traffic in the left-hand lane while the right-hand lane remains empty, and drivers in the right lane may appear to be "jumping the queue" by driving past queuing traffic until the merging point. But anger does not make those drivers wrong, according to Wales Online.
The most common scenarios requiring lane merging are permanent lane mergers or roadworks (for example, on a motorway) that close one lane. Drivers are often confused about the correct way to drive in this scenario.
One driver said: "I'm not sure anyone knows for certain what the rule is. But judging from how frequently you get drivers in the left hand lane doing their best to stop you merging in from the right, I'd imagine most people think those wily right hand lane drivers are just trying to stitch them up and jump the queue."
What is zip-merging?
The correct method of merging when two lanes become one at a certain point is called "zip-merging." Instead of moving into one lane as soon as a lane closure is announced, drivers should merge one at a time at the point of the lane closure. It is called zip-merging because it resembles the teeth of a zipper coming together, and it is said to significantly reduce congestion.
The police, Highway Code, RAC, and National Highways all agree on this. Avon and Somerset Police said the method "helps make full use of the available road space" and added: "Problems tend to arise when drivers are unwilling to allow others to safely merge, or when motorists change lanes aggressively, without adequate observation, signalling or consideration for other road users."
National Highways gave similar advice: "By keeping both lanes in use until the merge point, congestion is minimised and journey reliability is improved."
Highway Code rule 134 on merging
Highway Code rule 134 addresses lane-merging: "You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident."
The RAC agreed: "When motorists encounter a lane closure on a motorway or dual carriageway, the majority of drivers follow the etiquette of moving over early, but this creates one long, slow line of traffic and a near-empty outside lane. While motorists on the inside lane might think they’re doing the right thing, it can be more beneficial to continue using the open lane until the last minute, utilising all of the available road and then ‘merging in turn’ at the point at which the road narrows to a single lane."
Many drivers find it annoying to watch fellow motorists using the outside lane while they sit stationary on the inside. But removing British queuing etiquette and all emotion from the scenario, the plain fact is that two lanes of slow-moving traffic are better than one. If cars use all available space on both lanes, the line of congestion should disappear or at least reduce.
Fines for incorrect merging
Drivers will not be fined for queuing on the left too early, nor for using the empty lane up until the merger point. However, incorrectly using merger lanes can result in a driving conviction, fine, and points on the licence. For example, trying to prevent someone using the emptier lane to pass queuing traffic could lead to prosecution for careless driving. The fixed penalty for careless driving is now £100 with three points on the driver’s licence.
National Highways said: "Dangerous, careless or inconsiderate driving can occur if a driver forces their way into traffic, deliberately obstructs other vehicles, or carries out manoeuvres which create a risk of collision." If obstructed by someone who does not understand the correct way to use lane mergers, drivers should not react angrily. Dashcam footage can be uploaded to Operation Snap, a UK police initiative allowing the public to submit video evidence of suspected driving offences.
