In response to JC of Trowbridge, I sympathise with his frustration at middle lane motorway drivers. Having recently returned from driving in France and Spain I agree with Honest John that British driving standards are improving and I can say they are certainly better than our continental friends, with a few noticeable exceptions.

I was recently clocked doing 36mph on an urban dual carriageway and received a notice of prosecution. I was guilty of the offence because there were regularly spaced lamp-posts with no speed limit signs attached, so 30 mph was the limit. I took the option of a Speed Awareness Course as an (expensive) alternative to a fine and points. This was well worth doing and I definitely left as a better driver. Apart from being more "speed aware" I think I am now far more tolerant and considerate towards other road users. I believe this course should be made available free of charge to every driver every 10 years.