New research from Dick Lovett reveals that 7 in 10 (68%) British drivers don’t know how to merge in turn properly with lane closures.
Merging in turn is a traffic flow measure that makes cars from two or more lanes merge into one. Basically, all it does is allow multiple lanes of traffic to join together, with road users taking turns to merge into the new singular lane. Seems simple, right? Think again.
The correct way to merge in turn sparks debate wherever you go, and Dick Lovett decided to survey British drivers to see exactly which methods Brits are using most.
Their research shows the majority of drivers (68%) tend to move out of a closing lane immediately – or as soon as possible – after seeing a lane closure warning sign for road works or an accident. Why? Their main reason is to be ‘polite’ to other drivers.
If there’s something Brits are good at, it’s queuing. And a resounding 7 in 10 (69%) drivers told Dick Lovett they think it’s rude when other drivers don’t queue to get in from a closing lane early on.
What’s more, a third (33%) of drivers even said they actively try to stop other drivers from merging in turn when they do so at the ‘last minute’. Interestingly, men are 6% more likely to do this than women (36% vs 30%).
So, should you queue early for the sake of politeness or merge in turn? What exactly is the correct thing to do?
According to the Highway Code, drivers should wait to merge in turn at the point at which the two lanes merge into one unless it’s not busy, with section 134 stating:
“You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed.
“In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily.
“Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching roadworks or a road traffic incident.
“It is not recommended at high speed.”
The driving experts at Dick Lovett comment: “If the 68% of drivers moving lanes too early out of politeness decided to use both lanes, up until the merge in turn sign, it would result in less congestion during a lane closure as it allows the traffic to have a more consistent flow.
“Next time drivers find themselves in slow moving traffic that’s approaching a merge in turn sign, they should try to resist the temptation to move over too quickly out of politeness and use all available lanes until they can’t anymore.
“Granted, it’s difficult to beat the deep-routed British societal expectation of queuing, but moving over too soon will merely cause extended congestion.
“Also, try to resist joining the third of drivers who stop people merging if they think they’re doing it too late.
“This could be classed as dangerous driving, and it’s not your right to stop people entering the queue.”
As a HGV Driver, I see this on a daily occurrence, and I’m not entirely in agreement with all that has been said, just shear impatients and tailgating of madness stopping traffic from merging causes the biggest issue in lane closures. You’d be surprised how many people challenge 33 tons, because they think it’s there right to swerve or have a near miss, total disregard for their and occupants safety.
It should run smoothly, but only takes one to bring that to a final conclusion.
Why oh why do some drivers speed past the inside lane , get to the point when the road narrows to the point that they must push in causing the traffic to break, and slow the lane down, In my opinion if we left the recommended gap we could merge so the traffic could enter the single lane without breaking, it is daft that the traffic is on entering the closed of lane then able to accelerate to the recommended speed.
If the cone setup was guiding you to the center of the two lanes then no one has priority of said lane ,as it is usually setup to guide you to the left lane people in that lane think they have priority
As an ex coach driver and HGV driver I do not agree with some of what’s been said here. If you cross a broken white line ( lane ) you are crossing a give way line.
Yes the “pain in the neck” drivers are selfishly trying to force others to do what they want you to do. Why do they expect me to do something I don’t want to do? It is the drivers of large heavy goods wagons that are the worst because they are more effective in imposing their dictatorial actions.