Rules of the road

YOUR report (7 January) about the car which had moved to its right on the M9 “to allow other traffic from the M876 to merge on to the M9” and was hit by a police car coming up behind it travelling at speed – a car which the driver had evidently failed to see – is a very clear demonstration of the stupidity of changing lanes in such circumstances.

The Highway Code is quite clear in saying that if you are joining a motorway, either from a slip road or from an adjoining motorway, you should give priority to traffic already on the motorway; you should match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane (Rule 259). Acknowledging that one must be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users (Rule 147), drivers on motorways and other dual carriageways all too frequently pull out to their right when they come to slip roads, either as a skin-saving measure or as an act of mistaken kindness. Whatever the reason, it shouldn’t be done.

In France, there are notices on slip roads telling motorists that they must give way; it’s a pity that this is not done on British roads.

John McCulloch

Tipperwell Way

Penicuik, Midlothian