A report has revealed that despite new laws concerning ‘lane hogging’ being introduced last year, Derbyshire police force has only fined two drivers who have been found guilty of the offence.

‘Lane hogging’ is a term referred to when drivers stay in the middle lane; along with tailgaiting it has long been an irritation for drivers and has been known to cause road accidents.

Training Courses Effective In Improving Driving

The information, which was acquired by the Derby Telegraph under the Freedom of Information Act, was commented on by Tim Shallcorss, head of policy at IAM ( the Institute of Advanced Motorists). He said that it was ‘disappointing’ to learn that the police in Derby had not issued more fines but that he had sympathy with the constabulary as he said that training courses would have been more effective than on the spot fines to improve drivers’ ability.

A spokesperson from Derbyshire Constabulary said that it had stopped issuing penalties from February 2013 and instead had been submitting Traffic Offence Reports for these offences, adding: “To date the Constabulary has issued one TOR for ‘tailgating’ and two for poor lane discipline.”

Government Wants Clamp Down On Careless Drivers

Stephen Hammond, who is road safety minister, announced a series of road safety crackdowns with the Department of transport in August last year. Careless driving was made punishable with on the spot fines of £100 for lane hogging and tailgaiting and pushing into queues of traffic. Other more serious offences would be taken through the court process.

Breaking The Law Can Lead To Devestating Crashes Says Brake

Also speaking on the subject, James McLoughlin from road safety charity, Brake said: “Law-breaking at the wheel can easily lead to devastating crashes and casualties, so it is vitally important there is a strong deterrent against risky and illegal driving.”

Mr McLoughlin added that traffic police were vital in helping to enforce the laws but acknowledged there had been cut backs which had affected this, adding that Brake would like the government to focus on traffic policing and give out higher fines for offences.

Mark Pickyard, who is chairman of the Derbyshire Police federation agreed that the cut backs had had an impact and said: “Derbyshire Constabulary has a far smaller traffic department than in past years and, as such, does not patrol the motorway in the way it did when the Force had a dedicated motorway unit.”

Claiming Compensation For A Road Accident

If you have been involved in a road accident that was not your fault, whether this is on a motorway or any kind of road, then you could be able to claim personal injury compensation.

If you would like to know more about how to begin the personal injury process for a motor accident claim then please get in touch with Motor Injury Lawyers on 0800 808 7733 or complete an online claim form.