Drivers on a major UK motorway were pulled over by motorway police for "hogging" the middle lane at night.
Six motorists were caught on the M6 last week as part of a larger crackdown by North West Motorway Police on several rule-breakers on the same night, The MEN reports.
They were all reported for failing to use the left-hand lane appropriately, despite clear overboard messages around the M6.
According to the Highway Code, drivers are advised to remain in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear, except when they are overtaking.
Once the overtaking manoeuvre is completed, they should promptly return to the left lane, ensuring road safety for everyone.
Rule 264 of the Highway Code says: "Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area.
"If you are driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles."
Middle-lane hogging is considered illegal and can result in a penalty of £100 and three points on the driver's license.
In cases of careless driving, the consequences can be even more severe, with an unlimited fine and up to 11 points on the license.
Hogging can hinder other motorists from overtaking and can cause unnecessary congestion.
It may even force vehicles in the inside lane to cross two lanes to get past the lane-hogger in a bid to avoid undertaking.
North West Motorway Police wrote on social media: "Lane hogging was the theme with a total of 6 being reported for driving without due care & attention as they failed to use the left hand lane on the M6.
"Even the overhead message boards displaying "KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING" didn't make any difference!”
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