There seems to be nothing that divides opinion quite so much as the rights, or wrongs of drivers who hog the centre lane of motorways. The Highway Code advises that we should always move over to the inside lane when we have completed an overtaking manoeuvre, but how often do you see this happen?

The police are of the opinion that drivers who hog the centre lane are a cause of accidents because they invoke jams behind “their rolling road block” creating frustration to the drivers following, indeed the police have invented a phrase for them, Centre Lane Owners Group. On the other hand there are those that will say that it is more dangerous to constantly weave in and out between the inside and centre lane and sometimes get jammed in between two HGV’s when the centre lane is nose to tail with vehicles. Common sense should always prevail when driving a motor vehicle and that is equally important when using our motorways.

A new ruling in the Highway Code (Latest Edition) means that drivers who smoke could be prosecuted.
The smoking driver could be charged with not taking due care and attention.
Drivers should not be distracted with other activities says the Minister of Road Safety Jim Fitzpatrick. The Minister is hoping this will also deter drivers from other distractions whilst behind the wheel such as use of a mobile phone or map reading.

The new edition of the Highway code contains new safety code aimed at new drivers is 42 pages longer and has 29 more rulings.

Smoking is of course a big issue in the UK at the moment and of course company vehicles are classed as work areas.
The new smoking in a car ruling will give the police options to question your ability to drive the vehicle in a proper manner.

We like to keep you updated here at Bill Plant.

Please do not forget that the official new highway code is out on the 17th September 2007. The Highway Code features the latest guidance on correct road usage and is prepared by the Road Safety Directorate and Driving Standards Agency.

The book keeps you current  which is essential for safe driving and conforming to the many legal requirements on today’s roads. Even if you are an experienced driver it helps to be aware of the new rules.

You can pre-order copies online or at local book stores.