Middle-lane hogging remains rife amongst drivers, despite the threat of fines, new research finds.

Almost one in five (19%) drivers say they’ve never been taught about middle-lane hogging

The FOI police data published by Confused.com reveals only 135 people have been charged with the offence since it was introduced three years ago by the Government as part of on-the-spot fines to tackle ‘careless driving’. Yet the data also shows that almost one in three (32%) drivers admit to middle-lane hogging.

Published a year after the first driver was prosecuted for middle-lane hogging, the figures show that of the 45 police constabularies that responded to the FOI request, only eight were able to single out specific instances of middle-lane hogging among other careless driving misdemeanours. In total, 1,158 drivers have fallen foul of careless driving spot fines.

The research also highlighted a widespread lack of awareness that middle-lane hogging is an offence punishable by at least three points on your licence – almost two-fifths (37%) of respondents said they were unaware of this. And almost one in five (19%) drivers said they’ had never been taught about middle-lane hogging.

Yet more than one in 10 (11%) drivers admit to having experienced a collision or near miss on account of a middle-lane hogger.

In response, Confused.com teamed up with Thames Valley Police to see how widespread the problem is. To watch the video, click here.