AA demands national crackdown as "endemic" motorway lane hogging risks safety
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Risky lane manoeuvres such as changing lanes without indicating, veering across the carriageway to make an exit, middle-lane hogging and undertaking are all multiplying, motorists have told the AA.
Eight out of 10 drivers now regularly see risky lane moves on motorways, with a similar number seeing others changing lane without indicating. Almost as many often see drivers regularly switching between lanes.
With risky lane moves now seemingly becoming endemic, the AA is calling for a national lane discipline campaign to help stamp out bad practices.
It calls the levels of poor lane discipline “excessively high… contributing to congestion, frustration and increased collision risk”.
The AA wants to see more visible motorway policing and consistent enforcement, along with raised public awareness and clearer messages around the motorway rules on keeping left unless overtaking.
AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens says that, as poor lane discipline remains far too common he believes it’s time for a renewed national focus.
“Lane discipline is fundamental to motorway safety, and better compliance would reduce congestion and cut risk for everyone.”
Why is middle lane hogging now so commonplace?
Middle lane hogging is the poor behaviour drivers notice the most. The AA believes this is partly due to drivers being reluctant to use the inside lane on smart motorways.
“Some motorists choose to drive in lanes two and three, even when lane one is clear… while often rooted in caution, this behaviour can disrupt traffic flow and increase the likelihood of undertaking.”
Middle lane hogging is not a specified offence, but the police can issue fines and penalty points for careless driving — and The Highway Code states that drivers should keep left unless overtaking.
“Undertaking is not illegal in itself — but it is discouraged outside slow-moving traffic as it can be unexpected and dangerous.
“Many drivers remain unclear on when lane discipline crosses the line into careless driving.”
Rebuilding confidence in using lane one, alongside clearer messaging about motorway rules should form part of any national lane discipline campaigns says the AA.
