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Slowed rager

The Police spend time trying to stop speeding vehicles, but what about very slow ones ignoring the recommendation of the Highway Code to stop and let following traffic pass? Apart from the lack of consideration the drivers - and frequently their employers show for other road users - why does anyone send a JCB on a 40-mile jaunt in the rush hour? They often end up causing overtaking in unsuitable locations or situations. While driving excessively slowly isn't an offence as such it can create accidents. In the same way, while drivers cannot always be prosecuted for it, in the case of commercial plant I am sure the Traffic Commissioners could act against the operators, and I suspect that the other worse offenders - horse boxes may not be driven by properly licensed drivers in many cases.

Asked on 22 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
In Dorset recently I encountered an exemplary tractor driver towing a large container of manure (I think). He stopped whenever he could to allow traffic to pass. It is, in fact, an offence of ‘Driving without Due
Consideration for Other Road Users’ to impede the progress of other drivers. Applies to horse boxes that cannot be driven quickly or the horses can break their legs. Applies to caravanners who, if in convoy, must leave space between for overtakers. Applies to JCB drivers. Applies to truck drivers. Even applies to drivers of vintage cars. If you do find yourself in a convoy behind something slow, please keep an eye on your door mirror and always leave space in front of you for a faster driver to pull in between you and the vehicle in front.
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