Middle lane hogging London minicab pulled over by police for careless driving on motorway

Image credit: Twitter - @EP_RPU_South

A London licensed private hire driver has been pulled over by Essex Roads Policing Unit - South, for careless driving by way of hogging the motorway's middle lane.

The incident, which has been highlighted by the police on their official social media account, happened along the M11/Harlow stretch.

Officers said: "Just one of the numerous 'lane hoggers' we stop daily. We know it annoys you as well as creating needless congestion and risk and we do stop lots.

"This one's excuse (on the M11 in Harlow area) was that he answered the phone (legally via BT)."

During busy periods especially, middle-lane hogging can cause congestion as traffic funnels through the outside lane to pass.

If the same hogging driver moved over, traffic could split over two lanes, making things flow more smoothly and safely.

Middle-lane hogging is an offence and can result in a charge of 'careless driving', the same as tailgating, accidentally running a red light and even being distracted by eating or drinking behind the wheel.

New laws introduced in 2013 gave police officers the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points, meaning failing to keep left on a motorway can turn out costly.