THIS MOTORWAY driver learned the hard way that you shouldn’t hog the middle lane.

Traffic officers at Thames Valley Police followed the car for more than two miles along the M4 between Newbury and Swindon.

They even pulled in front of the vehicle and displayed a message telling the driver to move into the inside lane.

In the end, the officers ticketed the driver for careless driving.

Sharing a video of the poor driving on Twitter, Thames Valley Police’s roads unit wrote: “Yes it may be #ChristmasDay but #MiddleLaneHogging is still irritating and dangerous.

“This vehicle was followed for 2-3 miles in lane 2 on #M4 J13-13 near #Newbury, despite me pulling in front with a message displayed to use lane 1!

“Ticket issued for #CarelessDriving.”

What are the rules on hogging the middle lane?

Rule 264 of the Highway Code says drivers should always use the inside - or left-hand - lane if the road is clear. 

It says...

You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past. Slow-moving or speed-restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking. You MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers in uniform or by signs.