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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it's ok to want to travel at 70mph on the motorway...

459 replies

JacquesHarlow · 12/08/2024 10:51

...or am I now completely unreasonable, and the Highway Code is irrelevant?

Hear me out if you will:

I have done a LOT of driving in the past two weeks. M1, A1, A23, M25, M40, M6, you name it.

I am middle aged, F, live in Surrey, for what any of that is worth. I am also it seems one of the stranger folk...in that when I join a motorway, I drive at 70mph on the dot. I also stay in the left lane until overtaking.

AIBU for doing this?

It seems so, judging by the habits of hundreds of road users I encountered, who come onto the motorway and automatically slide into lane 3 of 4, or lane 2 of 3. And sit there for absolutely ages, at around 60 mph.

I kid you not, 60mph.

It's maddening. I am driving at 70mph, in lane 1. It is clear in front of me.

Next to me is someone doing 60 mph. I know this because I am coming up on them quickly. I cannot however undertake them - this is against the Highway Code.

So I indicate, check it's clear, move out to lane 2 behind them. I then look to move to lane 3 to overtake.

Only I can't move over to lane 3, because there is someone doing 60 (or maybe less), right alongside them. Not overtaking, just cruising next to them in their own little lane.

So I indicate again, move out to lane 4. Where of course it takes me 30 seconds or so to overtake, at which point someone is barrelling down on me wanting to do 80mph in their private fast lane. (I'm fine with this, I assert my right to overtake legally etc).

So that's three lane changes to overtake two cars who due to their speed (and the highway code's rules) should be sitting in lane 1.

Why do people do this?

I notice that when I've brought this up years ago on here, or when I've spoken to folk in real life, people often say

"It's more dangerous to do all that 'weaving about' than stay in a lane"
"I'm not going to get trapped in a lorry sandwich"
"People join constantly on motorways and I don't want to have to move over"

OK, great.

So you're going to make me change three lanes, just because you want your own little personal bubble on the motorway, and are happy to be a rolling roadblock?

I think middle lane hoggers are not only selfish, but actually dangerous.

But AIBU?

OP posts:
Primroses1 · 12/08/2024 13:33

Saw the same so much over the summer. People sitting at 60 in the middle and some horrible high speed undertaking from the outer lane.

Honestlynotsure · 12/08/2024 13:32

ElleintheWoods · 12/08/2024 13:17

On top of that it’s also a really offensive putdown, pretty much along the lines of ‘get back to the kitchen’.

I’d expect better from all people, but especially coming from a woman that’s really quite 🤨

Also I don’t think in 2024 anyone makes tea for a living anymore.

People seem to think that they know the law but can’t interpret a short paragraph. I fully agree that laws should be phrased in more accessible language and easily interpretable, but it’s quite frustrating in which manner the professional experience of SMEs is questioned.

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THANK YOU and yes I thought the same 'I don't think the police with their tight budgets employ tea makers anymore' 😄

Honestlynotsure · 12/08/2024 13:31

whereisthelifethatirecognize · 12/08/2024 13:03

Really? Really really? Because my DH does the whole pull up alongside (the middle lane blockers who are driving too slowly for it) on the left, then fall back, then go around them in a huff from the right. I don't do that and just go past them and he gets grumpy at me!

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You're right he's wrong

Jennyathemall · 12/08/2024 13:31

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:24

Really? That makes no sense to me - the inside lane to me is the lane that is in the middle of traffic ie closest to the traffic going in the other direction too and the outside lane is the "slow lane" But okay, I'm more than willing to accept that I might not have that right. In that case @runrabbitruns are you driving at 70 in lane that is furtherest to the right or furtherest to the left. If furtherest to the right, I stand by my comment that you are part of the problem.

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Oh dear.

WhamBamThankU · 12/08/2024 13:31

Cutecattoes · 12/08/2024 11:24

I'm convinced that the whole reason for bad motorway driving is because learners are not allowed on the motorway so 90% of the people driving on them currently have had no experience with an instructor.
Of course there will always be some who drive like idiots.

I passed my test a few years ago and as part of the lessons you get taken onto the motorway. It can only be done in a proper dual control car.

Fizbosshoes · 12/08/2024 13:31

I've joined motorways before where the left hand lane is virtually empty and then there are cars tootling along at 60 in lane 2 or 3.

People going slowly (for no reason) in the middle lanes, or going at normal motorway speed in driving rain where you can barely see, are my least favourite drivers.

When I mentioned the "no adjustment for wet weather" drivers on another thread I was told that some people are more confident or experienced and you get used to it!

Bettergetthebunker · 12/08/2024 13:30

In the UK, it is generally illegal to undertake vehicles on the left on motorways and other roads. However, there are some exceptions where it is permitted:

If traffic is moving slowly in all lanes, and the lane to your right is moving slower than your lane, you are allowed to continue moving in your lane, even if it means passing vehicles on your right.

If you are in a lane that is designated for exiting the motorway, and the traffic in the lane to your right is slower, you can pass on the left as you move towards the exit.

Despite these exceptions, it is generally advised to avoid undertaking whenever possible, as it can be dangerous and may confuse other drivers. If caught undertaking inappropriately, you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving, which can lead to fines, penalty points on your driving licence, or even a driving ban.

Mistymountain · 12/08/2024 13:30

All my recent motorway journies have been at 50mph due to roadworks and average speed cameras, so I'm surprised you expect to achieve 70mph!

Getitwright · 12/08/2024 13:29

Timeturnerplease · 12/08/2024 13:04

I must admit that I find my natural motorway speed is 80mph, which I’m aware is above the speed limit before anyone points that out. I try to stay slower but it’s too easy to speed up if you’re not watching the speedometer constantly. However, I’d argue that an 80mph driver observing the lane discipline customs is a lot safer than a 60mph driver sitting in the middle lane, causing others to have to weave around them.

It’s clear that lots of people aren’t confident driving on the motorway; DH for one. I grew up being ferried 200 miles between my parents’ houses and driving to Alpine ski resorts so am comfortable with multiples lanes and higher speeds. Poor DH goes into ex firefighter ‘I’ve seen loads of accidents’ mode and ends up being a 60mph danger out of sheer worry.

It would be sensible for the law surrounding motorway lanes to form part of the driving theory test, then for a motorway lesson to be mandatory before the final full driving licence can be issued after passing the main test.

So, breaking UK law, not paying attention, possibly an over inflated I know best approach. Think about it. If you are on UK roads, and kill someone because you are speeding, or being inattentive (not watching speedo), could you honestly live with yourself, or face the loved ones of someone you have killed. Would your OH miss you, if you have children, would they miss you, if you killed yourself? That’s the bottom line for breaking the law.

fromthegecko · 12/08/2024 13:27

PotatoLeopard · 12/08/2024 11:28

I think the conclusion we can come to is that many people can’t drive, and that many people are afraid of some elements of driving- particularly changing lanes whether that is to merge, allow people to merge or to overtake.
It also happens more often than it used to with people going right at roundabouts. When I learned to drive I was taught to enter in the right hand lane then move over to the left when I had passed the exit before the one I want to take. It seems more and more people go all the way in the left hand lane.
Can you tell I drive a lot?😂

It seems more and more people go all the way in the left hand lane.

Terrifyingly, I see people doing this and signalling left throughout. I don't know what they think indicators are for.

Likewhatever · 12/08/2024 13:27

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:26

@Likewhatever I apparently am confused about what's referred to as the inside lane! Grin So the question is - do you cruise at 70mp in lane 3 or the lane furtherest to the right (often thought of as the "fast lane" albeit, of course, not an accurate term). or do you cruise at 70 in the inside lane (the one furtherest to the left). If the former - you're part of the problem. if the latter - my apologies for messing up the terminology!

Definitely not the former and if that’s what you meant I’m in agreement!

brunettemic · 12/08/2024 13:27

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:24

Really? That makes no sense to me - the inside lane to me is the lane that is in the middle of traffic ie closest to the traffic going in the other direction too and the outside lane is the "slow lane" But okay, I'm more than willing to accept that I might not have that right. In that case @runrabbitruns are you driving at 70 in lane that is furtherest to the right or furtherest to the left. If furtherest to the right, I stand by my comment that you are part of the problem.

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It might make no sense to you but the inside lane is the left hand lane.

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:26

@Likewhatever I apparently am confused about what's referred to as the inside lane! Grin So the question is - do you cruise at 70mp in lane 3 or the lane furtherest to the right (often thought of as the "fast lane" albeit, of course, not an accurate term). or do you cruise at 70 in the inside lane (the one furtherest to the left). If the former - you're part of the problem. if the latter - my apologies for messing up the terminology!

WhamBamThankU · 12/08/2024 13:25

Honestlynotsure · 12/08/2024 10:58

You don't need to overtake them. The definition of undertake is if you use the left lane to go past someone in the middle lane then cut back in front of them. Just keep moving along at your pace in your clear lane, no need to overtake them at all. For reference I work within the police.

This. It's not undertaking if you're just maintaining your speed within the limit.

RedToothBrush · 12/08/2024 13:25

The problem isn't the speed though is it?

The problem is lane discipline.

It's ok to want to drive at 60mph as long as it's in the correct lane. Other vehicles are limited to that speed.

Likewhatever · 12/08/2024 13:24

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:19

Because the inside lane is supposed to be for overtaking. The only way you driving in that lane at 70 is okay, is if there is plenty of traffic on all lanes and you are therefore in the fastest moving lane of traffic.

This is also why there is some understanding that speed limits are not absolute - sometimes, in order to overtake, speeding up slightly over the speed limit is okay.

You are absolutely part of the problem the OP is talking about.

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You are wrong. All three lanes have the same speed limit which is 70mph. If travelling at 70mph in the inside lane no-one should need to overtake you and you aren’t holding anyone up. As a driver in lane 2 you have the option to drop back and slot in behind the faster car. You can then proceed at 70mph which is the maximum legal speed limit.

It sounds to me as though you are more part of the problem than I am!

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:24

nonumbersinthisname · 12/08/2024 13:21

The inside lane is lane 1, the left lane.

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Really? That makes no sense to me - the inside lane to me is the lane that is in the middle of traffic ie closest to the traffic going in the other direction too and the outside lane is the "slow lane" But okay, I'm more than willing to accept that I might not have that right. In that case @runrabbitruns are you driving at 70 in lane that is furtherest to the right or furtherest to the left. If furtherest to the right, I stand by my comment that you are part of the problem.

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:22

focacciamuffin · 12/08/2024 13:18

It is very relevant if somebody is claiming that driving at 80mph is definitely driving dangerously.

Why is it more dangerous here and not there? Because somebody back in 1965 decided that we needed a speed limit on motorways and plucked “70” out of the air?

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well, to reiterate my earlier point - I think there's something to be said about norms. So in this coutnry, driving at 90 is dangerous because it's unexpected. If you see a car in the distance, you assume they're NOT doing 90mph. And I've certainly been surprised now and again when I've seen someone in my rear view mirror only to have them speed past me a lot sooner than I would have expected.

But I do agree that if the speed limit is more in other countries, and that is then expected, that driving at that speed or slightly over is far less likely to be dangerous there.

nonumbersinthisname · 12/08/2024 13:21

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:19

Because the inside lane is supposed to be for overtaking. The only way you driving in that lane at 70 is okay, is if there is plenty of traffic on all lanes and you are therefore in the fastest moving lane of traffic.

This is also why there is some understanding that speed limits are not absolute - sometimes, in order to overtake, speeding up slightly over the speed limit is okay.

You are absolutely part of the problem the OP is talking about.

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The inside lane is lane 1, the left lane.

shuggles · 12/08/2024 13:21

@JacquesHarlow The issue is that many motorways in the UK don't have hard shoulders. If there were hard shoulders, then 60 mph drivers would be happier to stay in lane 1.

Dery · 12/08/2024 13:20

“I take issue with this. The 70 limit is arbitrary number. In many countries the limit is just over 80 mph. Are the drivers driving at the limit in those countries driving dangerously too?”

If you look at road stats, you will see that the UK is one of the safest countries in the world to drive. Speed limits are almost certainly part of that. https://www.finn.com/en-US/press/the-worlds-safest-roads

The Safest Roads in the World Report | FINN

Which country has the safest roads in the world? Explore numerous road safety-related factors that reveal the nations with the safest and most dangerous roads.

https://www.finn.com/en-US/press/the-worlds-safest-roads

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:19

Likewhatever · 12/08/2024 13:17

No it’s not. It’s perfectly legal. What’s annoying about it?

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Because the inside lane is supposed to be for overtaking. The only way you driving in that lane at 70 is okay, is if there is plenty of traffic on all lanes and you are therefore in the fastest moving lane of traffic.

This is also why there is some understanding that speed limits are not absolute - sometimes, in order to overtake, speeding up slightly over the speed limit is okay.

You are absolutely part of the problem the OP is talking about.

WithIcePlease · 12/08/2024 13:19

And it's not just the middle lane.
Woman at 50 in right hand lane for miles the other day. Massive tailback and so dangerous. I went into lane 1 to overtake her because no way was I going to do so in the middle lane - driving that badly, you never know what they are going to do.

I wish I'd had a dashcam.

focacciamuffin · 12/08/2024 13:18

runrabbitruns · 12/08/2024 12:45

The speed limit in other countries is irrelevant . It is 70 in this country and so needs to be adhered to.

This is a fairly simple concept .

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It is very relevant if somebody is claiming that driving at 80mph is definitely driving dangerously.

Why is it more dangerous here and not there? Because somebody back in 1965 decided that we needed a speed limit on motorways and plucked “70” out of the air?

Likewhatever · 12/08/2024 13:17

IdLikeToBeAFraser · 12/08/2024 13:16

Are you driving at 70 in the inside lane? Because that is extremely annoying and, frankly, wrong.

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No it’s not. It’s perfectly legal. What’s annoying about it?