This is why some people just go to lane 3 and stay there. It's much easier to cruise in lane 3 than lane 1 or 2 which actually requires some concentration and awareness of other vehicles. This is why I think slow moving traffic does cause problems and want to push the speed of the slowest moving traffic up to 50mph+ in free flowing motorways.

If slow moving traffic is an issue to too many other drivers, then there is an argument for more 'private' motorways such as the M6? Then those who wish to travel a lot faster can pay for the privilege of not being held up...or rather, not having to exercise more driving skill, simply coping with slower moving traffic?

The roads..especially non-private motorways, are public highways, open to all who comply.

For those in a hurry, there should be viable alternatives [trains? for exampe, or private, exclusive mtorways?] made available?

For the rest of us, in whatever qualifying vehicle we happen to be driving, the motorway system as at present should not be denied, simply because faster-moving drivers struggle to cope!

If slower vehicles appear to create a problem, then it is the skill-levels of the 'faster' drivers that need attention.

.I have a preference for the left lane, when traffic conditions get bad.

Even if that means adopting slower average speeds.

For two main reasons.

[1] I am then not getting involved with the high-speed bunching that prevails in the other two [or more] lanes, as too many drivers try to cram themselves into too little road space.

& [2]....if something does go seriously wrong with the mass of vehicles ahead of me, I have at least got some clear space to my left, available for avoidance.

A factor which is denied everybody sat nose-to-tail at high speed in the centre and right overtaking lanes.

An attitude which probably stems from years of motorway driving in vehicles with very limited road performance by comparison....and not wishing to be in a position where I have moving..and possibly passing, traffic on my 'blind' side?

Of course, when all the faster traffic has rushed into that too small a road space, and comes to a crawl...minimum speeds suddnely become totally meaningless, let alone enforceable?

Motorways [other than the private option I mention above] must remain open to all....and not simply those who are in a hurry to get to work.

Only 3 lane sections i can think of on the A14 are between Bar Hill and Cambridge, and the Newmarket by pass.

Depending on the competence of the following lorry driver then our friend in the Mazda 6 is arguably in one of the safest places he could ever be, a crossover from the opposite carriageway would be most unlikely to affect him, and our good driver behind protects from all but the worse on offer, as a bonus his mpg will be fantastic due to slip steam.

I keep a good distance from the vehicle in front, quite sure i've been selected many times by people in cars who have noticed that to travel in front of in dense traffic....pity they didn't notice me dunking a biscuit whilst making several calls on the phone..:-)

Edited by gordonbennet on 11/05/2013 at 12:35

Even if un-necessary hogging of the middle lane is inconsiderate, I don't see how middle-lane hoggers could be a major cause of accidents! A bigger cause, I think, is when someone from lane 1 pulls out into a gap in lane 2 at the same time as someone going faster in lane 3 pulls over into the same gap. I've seen lots of near misses like this.

Then it is lane 3 driver's responsibility to avoid.

Equal responsibility IMO - that's why indicators should be used BEFORE manoeuvring !!

Supposed to be lane 3 driver's responsibility, because driver can see what is going on. Lane 3 driver can be in lane 2 Ddriver's blindspot.

Even that logic supposes that ALL drivers indicate for several seconds before pulling out - but competent drivers with proper mirrors have no blindspots !!

If you can't see a clear area - don't pull out into it.

Could be clear when you do see it. Then some inconsiderate tw** in lane 3 takes it. He has the best view, not a blindspot for him. :)

Could be clear when you do see it. Then some inconsiderate tw** in lane 3 takes it. He has the best view, not a blindspot for him. :)

But in between those two points, the driver in lane 1 should have indicated in time for the driver in lane 3 not to change lane - but I agree that "inconsiderate" is the cause of the issue.

Some cars don't have indicators.;)