RHA urges action against bunching
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• An addition to the Highway Code that would seek to prevent the bunching of lorries, buses and coaches is being urged by the Road Haulage Association. A memorandum to the Ministry of Transport proposes that on roads other than dual carriageways, and when traffic is flowing freely, drivers of large vehicles should be advised to leave sufficient space in front to enable smaller vehicles to overtake them.
It is thought by the RHA that a recommendation to this effect would help to prevent long queues of vehicles from forming and would also reduce the risk that arises when motorists are overtaking commercial vehicles.
It is also recommended by the RHA that the Highway Code should include a provision warning following drivers to allow for the extra road space needed by a large commercial vehicle when turning and when manoeuvring.
Because of the wide sweep required, the RHA points out, a large commercial vehicle has to use the right hand lane when turning left. At junctions fitted with traffic lights a following motorist should never try to overtake a large vehicle on the left unless the driver has clearly indicated his intention to turn right.
A heavy vehicle driver may often have to use two lanes in order to complete a mandieuvre. It is suggested that the Highway Code should include a special warning to motorists never to attempt to overtake a large vehicle on a roundabout either on the left or on the right Another recommendation from the RHA is that the Highway Code should give more emphasis to lane discipline. In the interests of road safety, the RHA has told the Ministry, there is an urgent need to encourage drivers to observe lane discipline and not to wander from lane to lane in an irresponsible manner.