To say this sign does NOT mean move over now

[DappledThings]

Roadworks going on near me, a section of dual carriageway is temporarily reduced to one lane. As you join that section from a roundabout there is this sign (except with only one black arrow for the one lane staying open not two).

The second lane closes in 800 yards. At the closure point there is a standard circular blue sign with a white arrow to the left indicating the lane closes there and to merge into the left lane.

So every day I do that, merrily overtaking 50 or so cars sitting in the left lane for the entire 800 yards.

AIBU to consider that this sign means lane closing in 800 yards and merge where the arrow tells you to and not please pointlessly queue from this point leaving the lane empty for the full 800 yards.

Nobody ever looks pissed off at the merge point and I wouldn't think they had the right to be. I don't understand why everyone queues from so far back. It's so inefficient.

Ooh this really annoys me! Cars backed up in one lane for ages while second lane is empty up to merging point. I think people just panic when they see the sign and don't understand but it is very frustrating.

Although there are roadworks near us and to my shock when I drove through them the other day everyone was actually using both lanes and merging somewhat seamlessly! It was a beautiful sight.

I’ve recently been to the USA where I was SHOCKED by the courtesy I saw on the roads! We had to zip merge a few times and everyone just cooly and casually used both lanes, gave space, merged in turn. It was a bit of a surprise!

Not all the time though and it's this inconsistency that I find annoying. But not as annoying as the incessant queuing!