Q cars

I understand that some classic/vintage car drivers when proceeding at about 40mph on an unrestricted single carriageway with a queue of traffic behind them have been stopped by the police and either cautioned or charged for holding up traffic. Over the years I have read of at least two such cases in the national press. Rule 169 of the Highway Code clearly states: "Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass".

This rule covers the scenario for the cherished car owner and I fully agree with it, but what about the lorry driver? How many times have we seen a convoy of lorries on a single carriageway maintaining 40mph with other road users frustrated and taking exceptional risks trying to make progress through the traffic? Why do the police not enforce Rule 169 on lorry drivers?

Asked on 23 August 2011 by CC, Gosberton, Lincs

Answered by Honest John
Interesting point. But, of course, HGVs are not legally allowed to exceed 40mph on single carriageway roads. (The only area where I have encountered this as a problem was Northamptonshire.)
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