HC Deb 22 June 1979 vol 968 cc727-8W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that on most motorways the fast lane drivers drive at a constant 80 m.p.h. and traffic in the central lane is mainly heavy lorries and drivers at 60 m.p.h. and that it is exceedingly dangerous particularly in wet conditions to keep moving from lane to lane, in which lane he would recommend drivers to drive.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Highway Code advises that on a three-lane carriageway the normal "keep to the left" rule applies. A driver may, however, stay in the middle lane when there are slower vehicles in the lefthand lane, but he should return to the lefthand lane when he has passed them. The right-hand lane is for overtaking only. If a driver uses it, he should move back to the middle lane and then into the left-hand lane as soon as he can, but with-out cutting in.

The normal speed limit on motorways is 70 m.p.h. The limit may be reduced in particular circumstances when driving conditions so demand, and drivers should in any event adjust their speed to take account of adverse conditions.

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