"Zip" merging (alternate lane) at lane closures
(updated October 2007)
The IAM campaigned for the new edition of the Highway Code to be amended to discourage wasted space by "zip-merging" (from alternate lanes) at lane closures for road works etc. The 2004 edition, Rule 262 stated "use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time…do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic". Unfortunately, upon seeing an advance warning sign of a lane closure, many drivers misinterpret "in good time" to mean "now" and immediately change lanes, so wasting a long stretch of empty lane before the taper of cones and making any tailback longer! Some drivers will stay longer in that lane, overtaking the queue, which can lead to resentment from others, and occasionally to the dangerous and obstructive practice of a vehicle straddling the white line to prevent this. A far more efficient method is, on seeing the sign, if we adjust our speed depending on traffic conditions and merge from each lane in turn on approaching the cones. In practice, this is likely to be earlier at faster speeds and close to the cones in stop-start conditions and will be fair to everyone.
Rule 134 Highway Code 2007 states:
You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed.
In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily.
Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed. e.g. when approaching roadworks or a road traffic incident.
It is not recommended at high speed.
(Editor’s note: in the current edition of the Highway Code, the same rule number has the same advice:
You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.
