Poll: Should drivers who hog the middle lane be fined?

Drivers who hog the middle lane or tailgate other cars will face on-the-spot fines of £100 and three points on their licence, it was announced today.

Police are also being given powers to issue instant fixed penalty notices for not giving way at a junction or using the wrong lane at a roundabout.

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In a crackdown on anti-social motoring unveiled today, a new fixed penalty offence of careless driving will also target those who cut up other cars or block a dual carriageway's outside lane.

Ministers are at the same time increasing from £60 to £100 the fines for a range of existing offences. These include using a mobile phone at the wheel, speeding, jumping lights and failing to wear a seat belt. All bar the last also carry three penalty points.

Police officers, guided by the Highway Code, will have to decide who is guilty of hogging the middle lane or tailgating.

They will issue the fines at the roadside. It is likely that only the worst drivers, who misbehave over half a mile or more, will be fined and given penalty points.

Occasional offenders will be given the chance to go on a driving course.

Transport minister Stephen Hammond said: "Careless drivers are a menace. That is why we are making it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to issue a fixed penalty notice rather than needing to take every offender to court."

Until now a motorist had to be stopped by a police officer, a summons issued and evidence presented in court. The fixed penalty for driving without insurance is expected to double from £100 to £200.

AA president Edmund King said: "We are pleased to see new powers and fines will be given to the police to tackle the top three pet hates of drivers – tailgaters, mobile phone abusers and middle-lane hogs."