Driving on the motorway 259 Joining the motorway. When you join the motorway you will normally approach it from a road on the left (a slip road) or from an adjoining motorway. You should * give priority to traffic already on the motorway * check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane * not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or use the hard shoulder *stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway * remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking
Seems to that it is politeness to move over for joining traffic but not obligatory as traffic already on the main road has right of way. And I think that this is what the thread was about - those joining do not have right of way but the A34 slip roads make this very difficult because of the short approach
Then, in my opinion, your dad gave you the wrong advice.
It's a matter of safety. When traffic enters the motorway via a sliproad, the potential for a collision is high. It therefore makes complete sense to move over to avoid danger where possible. Even when not, I will adjust my speed to allow a car on the slip road clear entry. It's self preservation as much as manners.
I don't know the Newbury bypass, but I do know of similar slip roads on my route to Norfolk up the M11. From memory the old A1 where not dualled had some suicidal slip roads. There is a dangerous entry to the M11 north of Cambridge up a steep embankment, and you get about 5 seconds to work out which gap to go for.
I tend to use the outside lane wherever sensible because you can watch lorries on the inside about to overtake and you can adjust for the inevitable flurry of middle laners changing lanes. Coming to a slip road I always expect this, so slow a little and leave plenty of space. Should I be in the inside lane I would always try and move over where safe. I think self preservation and manners both apply. I am fortunate to use a fairly speedy car and approach a motorway at about 70 knowing I can adjust up or down easily enough to slot in.
I never expect a car to move over for me, and HGVs are often kind enough to signal an entry would be OK.
There is always the question of cars leaving a fast road onto a lesser one with incredibly tight corners.
After reading the thread and cost and land use comments about the road I looked up Swampy. Now living quietly with 3 children in an eco-camp in Yorkshire I think. He totally shuns publicity these days.
I have learnt after the usual 42 years of trouble free motoring to take a little more care with the right foot. I got off lightly with a simple fine and 3 points. 1 more MPH and it would have been a court case. Not a white Van man,or a boy racer. I am the worst of the lot the BMW lane user!. But I do pay attention to other drivers. ce.
Completely off topic as is my wont. "Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz",
I used 30 seconds of that to cover a desert scene in an old family video on youtube. Set in Emirates in 1958. Just as the westerners created vast wealth there. A line of camels crossing a dusty single track road with tumbleweed blowing past.
I thought it quite funny. Sony didn't and I got a slap on the wrist and had to remove it. Have yet to get around to reposting. ce
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