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Question of the week: Why doesn't zip merging work in the UK?

David Ross, Editor
Fri, 23 May 2025

Dear Honest John,

"On my regular commute I have to pass a set of roadworks with two lanes merging into one and despite the sign saying 'merge in turn' it's always a bun fight of people queueing up too early and others bombing down the outside and shoving their way in at the end.

Why doesn't zip merging seem to work in this country? Don't get me started on queueing in pubs!"

- TT

Dear TT,

Zip merging, like social media and democracy, is a great idea in theory but the reality is somewhat less successful.

The theory goes that where two or more lanes merge down to one, traffic makes full use of all the available lanes up to the point where the lane is closed, thereby making full use of the available road space to reduce the length of the queue and speeding everyone's passage through it.

The reality though is quite different, as you have experienced yourself. Maybe it's the British obsession with queueing that sees drivers gather in the lane remaining open as early as possible, making the queue longer. And then other drivers try to take advantage of this by racing to the merge point as quickly as possible along the empty lane.

In a perfect world both lanes would be occupied by an even number of cars. Drivers would avoid the temptation to get right up to the bumper of the car in front and leave space for others to merge, thereby keeping both lanes flowing - it might be at very low speed, but it's still quicker than stationary.

Unfortunately this dream scenario requires everyone to play by the rules and be considerate of others, which seems like a massive ask. A bit more of that would get everyone to their destination more quickly.

Ask HJ

Someone hit my car when two lanes merged to one - who is in the wrong?

I was driving along a dual carriageway that was merging from the outside (right) lane into one (left) lane. I was in the left hand lane in a line of traffic, when a car on the outside of me trying to merge hit me on my driver side rear passenger door and my rear wing. I put a claim in to my insurance company but they are now saying it was 50-50. I explained that the other vehicle had driven into my car as evidence of the damage sustained shows that my rear had been damaged, whereas if I had driven into their car my front would have sustained damage not the rear. Is it incumbent on the driver who is intent on performing a change of lane, to ensure there is sufficient room for their manoeuvre? The Highway Code does not mention anything with regard to this.
It is incumbent on all drivers to drive considerately and the problem here is proving who was the aggressor. If the other driver was stuck in the outside lane and you could reasonably have let him in, then you are to blame. If he barged and bullied his way into your lane, then he would be to blame. But proving it either way is why the claim was treated 50/50.
Answered by Honest John
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