First ever motorist convicted for 'lane hogging'
New laws to clamp down on the behaviour were introduced in August 2013 but the recent conviction is thought to be the first of its kind
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A motorist has been convicted of careless driving for ‘hogging’ the middle motorway lane, in what is believed to be the first case of its kind.
The offence took place on the M62 near Huddersfield on August 25 last year.
Police say that a man was driving at 60mph in the middle lane, despite the fact that the inside lane was free.
Leeds Magistrates Court was told that six drivers had to brake and then overtake the Citroen Berlingo van.
The driver was described as having been given ample opportunity to change lanes in order to facilitate other road users.
The driver was convicted in court and given five points on his license. He will also have to pay a £500 fine, £400 in costs and a £40 victim surcharge.
The case is believed to be the first conviction in the UK for ‘lane hogging’.
The Highway Code stipulates: “You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear.”
“If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”
The government introduced new laws to clamp down on the behaviour in August 2013, include penalty points and on-the-spot fines.