Adverts at five motorway Services in the county will advise lane hoggers that they could face a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points, and electronic message signs are being used to encourage drivers to stay safe by keeping left.
The pilot initiative aims to substantially reduce the amount of lane hogging on Cheshire’s motorways and could be rolled out across England if it proves to be a success.
The campaign follows the first prosecution for lane hogging last month after new legislation was introduced giving the police powers to issue on-the-spot fines.
Alan Shepherd, north west regional director at Highways England, said: “There’s a common belief that the middle lane is the safest place to be on the motorway but our research shows that simply isn’t true.
“One in seven motorists admit to driving aggressively if they encounter a lane hogger, which means people who permanently stay in the middle lane are more likely to be involved in an accident. They also cause tailbacks behind them as drivers who follow the Highway Code have to slow down to overtake them.
“We hope this new campaign will get the message across to Cheshire motorists that the safest place to be on a motorway is the left lane, unless you’re overtaking. That way we’ll keep our motorways moving and reduce accidents.”
