Is This Queue Jumping or Good Driving? Merging in Turn (Zip Merging)

[@Glaiceana]

There needs to be a TV advert to explain merge in turn in the UK, barely anyone understands the benefits!

[@ConquerDriving]

I agree.

[@jun_suzuki42]

I thought UK has a lot of public information film aka PIF on TV? What happened to them?

[@annabelholland]

They should also make the sign use pictograms (symbols) instead of just text for merge in turn should someone not understanding english know what the sign means. We can also remove the supplementary plate on signs that give priority to you or oncoming traffic (that is, the sign saying 'priority over oncoming traffic')

[@CJ0175]

No, don't tell everyone. Quite happy for the sheep to stick in one lane, as long as they don't try to block my progress in the empty lane!

[@Norby_M]

@@CJ0175 most times they will though...

[@Hoschie-ww7io]

In Germany it’s even forbidden to slow down early to find a gap and block the traffic behind you. You have to drive until the lanes merge and use the zip merging method

[@JLCC2022]

Unfortunately, there are too many selfish and incapable British drivers, only trying to make way for themselves. The comcept of common good is so uncommon here

[@automation7295]

I swear that everything is illegal in Germany. I wouldn't be surprised if it's illegal to piss your own underwear while driving or waiting in traffic.

[@itstimeforham]

I feel like if they added the merge arrows in both lanes it would be a lot clearer. Right now the merge left arrows make it feel like a hierarchy. If the lanes merged into one theoretical ‘middle’ lane that only exists after the merge lanes, nobody could be angry.

[@888SpinR]

Old habits die hard though, the red doughnut sign with a number in the middle looks like a mere suggestion to many. And don't the arrows serve to show where the lane 'disappears'? Ie. when the cars are travelling in parallel lines, the car on the side with no arrows won't have to alter their direction.

[@harry_page]

There's a bit of an odd junction in a city near me where the left and middle lanes go ahead, then the left lane merges into the middle lane. As you might expect, everyone I've seen uses the middle lane! It is indeed like people favour the lane that doesn't merge.

[@ConquerDriving]

Good point Michael P. I think it would be better to have both lanes merging together.

[@waldolemmer]

In South Africa, they would normally have arrows in both lanes

[@Grahamvfr]

Yea, I've had similar discussions with people about it being more, merge for everyone not just the right. Great point 👍

[@ibs5080]

Ah yes this old chestnut of merging in turn. I'm dual British and Canadian and this principle seems better understood back in Canada as well as across the border in the USA, though certainly not always perfect there either. Here in the UK where lanes reduce due to road works, I'm sure we've all seen where the authorities put up signs to the effect of "When queuing use both lanes" but even then issues can still occur. As someone else mentioned, there really needs to be a big publicity campaign on this. Have to say Richard, you covered the subject beautifully. Especially also with your own two examples. Amazing the difference in queue lengths in your second example but there again, if everyone used both lanes then both queues would be roughly the same length. Which would not then generate such a feeling that folks are queue jumping, as well as assist traffic flow in the ways you mentioned. See you at the supermarket checkout!

[@ianl1052]

Very well explained. Ashley Neil would be proud of you. The self appointed "Lane police" are a particular bug bear of mine.

[@nigelp4328]

Mine too. On a recent trip I was approaching roadworks and signs saying 'Merge In Turn' had been placed to the side of both lanes. Even then I looked in my mirror to see a car behind me driving slowly in the closing lane so no-one could get past. Complete morons.

[@ianl1052]

@@jaffa3109 You've clearly learned nothing from this video.

[@ianl1052]

@jaffa3109 The whole point of merge in turn is for everyone to use both lanes for as long as possible and then to filter into the unblocked lane. If everyone did that, there would be no unnecessary queues in one lane while another remains empty. I suggest you take some driving lessons.

[@scottmackintosh5934]

Such a simple, perfect explanation. I bet people will still not get it. If you aren’t meant to be in that lane they would have closed the lane earlier. The lane is shut in 600 yards. Not now.

[@bobmilla4279]

You obviously didn't listen to a word he said then.

[@allansmith3837]

If you can't see 600 yards ahead of you you better go to specksavers.

[@flinchus]

​@@allansmith3837you entirely missed the point. The lane up to the point of the pinch point is open and intended to be used uo to the merge point to prevent congestion lol

[@allansmith3837]

@@flinchus all this stupidity does is promote bad driving . We drive on the left in Britain not the right. Stand in a queue in a supermarket and let someone walk in front of you I'm quite sure you'll not be to happy. Get in the proper lane end of story it work fine for me for 55years.

[@190xproductions]

Passed first time last week with 4 minors. Richard, thank you so much for these videos that you create. They really have been the biggest help in learning outside of lessons, the best information and the best tips to succeed. I shall continue to watch to ensure safe driving going forward but thank you! Good luck to anyone learning or attending a test soon! :)

[@ConquerDriving]

That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@ditch3827]

Well done. The trick now is to keep up your good standard of driving and not pick up any bad habits.

[@scottmackintosh5934]

Congratulations. I passed my test over 12 years ago and still watch this content. You never stop learning. Watch Ashley Neal as well he’s great

[@quadangries]

Here's another comment from a noob driver thanking you for these videos. Really appreciate your pragmatic approach and your ability to take into account what a learner will be feeling/thinking in every one of them. Really helps this process feel less robotic and much more human. Thanks!

[@ConquerDriving]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevegeek]

Well explained. I have some double lanes coming up to traffic lights in my town and it makes sense to use both lanes when it’s busy, but what annoys me is when it’s just me and one other vehicle, which goes on my outside to try and get past me, when I’m driving sensibly within the speed limit. More often than not it’s a big 4x4 or well-known German make, driving aggressively. I have to tell myself not to get annoyed and just be grateful they are in front and not “up my exhaust pipe”!

[@burntbacn]

Passed my test last week, your videos helped a lot. Thanks for all the work you put into them.

[@ConquerDriving]

That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@ditch3827]

Well done

[@honestchris7472]

I really hope that a lot of people watch this explanation of the merge in turn, so many still think that you are queue jumping but you cant stop and explain to them that they are wrong.

[@lildowny8842]

Passed my test a few months ago but always interested in watching your videos, very informative

[@ditch3827]

Well done

[@SolPhantasmagoria]

_In my city, we don't have too many merge in turn opportunities, however, what we do have, and something I've noticed is often not used correctly is Bus Lanes with hours of operation written on them. I have several friendly conversations with other drivers who believe that driving in the bus lane is something one cannot do at any time._

[@jonathanbrockway5861]

Ah merging in turn, one of my personal favourites to teach my pupils, almost everyone (experienced drivers included) get it all wrong!😂🤣

[@Drekal95]

I recently saw a video of a truck blocking both lanes (and forcing a car off the road) to avoid people "queue jumping" and SOOO many people where justifying the dangerous behavior with backwards reasons like "zipper merging is only used when the traffic is moving" "what about emergency vehicles" and other nonsensical arguments. I'm really glad to see this video and hope it'll reach a lot of people so we don't see this kind of behavior and people defending it anymore.

[@albertwarren6917]

Yeah happened to me on the motorway once. I was getting shouted at for not trying to get over sooner. Cars were trying to get past a van that was blocking the other lanes. It was ridiculous

[@JLCC2022]

I had similar experience here in Colchester too. In Hong Kong, not fully utilising both lanes but cutting a long way before reaching the merger is regarded as unwise and wrong use of the road. People would horn if you attept to do that. I don't want to be rude but people in this country are getting more and more insensible on road. They need a bit more common sense and should learn to drive properly

[@jun_suzuki42]

Yeah many might think that is jumping queues therefore they will try to close up the gap, blocking you from cutting.

[@R04drunner1]

Great video. Loved the explanation that "You are just joining the shorter queue." In practice, I find using lane 2 works best if you drive in lane 2 at a reasonable speed instead of driving fast. You modelled it beautifully but it's worth explaining why. Keeping speed relative to lane 1 low is for two reasons: 1. You have space and time to brake if somebody jumps out in front of you. Like the self-appointed "Queue police". 2. You are less likely to arouse road rage in the drivers who have chosen to stay in lane 1. That way it's easier to get in. When I approach the merge point, I simply put on a left turn indicator and then wait for a gap to open. I only start to steer left when the gap emerges (usually but not always accompanied by a flash of headlamps from the vehicle creating the gap). 95% of the time the driver beside me will open the gap. He/she has seen you are being polite and non-aggressive. In 5% of cases the driver will shut the space. Simply wait calmly for the next driver who will have seen the first driver do the aggressive thing and will decide to do the decent thing themselves. As you say, I have never had to wait for the third driver. And, yes, love the "Thank you" wave. Never omit that. Finally, kudos for stating right at the start there is a difference between the Northern Ireland and GB Highway Code. In this case, as in virtually all the rules, they are identical but there are a few differences. Nice one. 🙂👍

[@PedroConejo1939]

Lane blockers need prosecuting but I have never heard of it happening. Videos like this help spread the good word though.

[@vld1600]

Another great video. There's nothing more frustrating than the left had lane hoggers that want to close up when you try to merge.

[@richardboon5637]

Best explanation and reasoning of merge in turn I have seen Richard. Thankyou. Love your videos

[@whamsdram]

Excellent video and content - should be a public information film - thanks

[@rutube007]

People get very aggressive when you do the right thing like this. Just because they don't understand what the right thing to do is.

[@ConquerDriving]

That's true. In recent years though it seems more people understand why there is more than one lane.

[@bikeman123]

Britons love queuing.

[@irishplayer4203]

I’ve spent a lot of hours watching your video lessons and after passing my test today first time with 1 minor I felt obliged to come to your latest video to thank you!! Salute 🚘

[@ConquerDriving]

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@ditch3827]

Well done

[@raithrover1976]

My experience tells me that merging in turn works fine when there's plenty of room, for example 2 or 3 hundred yards. Where there can be issues is when local councils think it's a good idea to have a merge in turn at the other side of a junction with about 20 yards before the right-hand lane disappears. This causes particular issues for people who are unfamiliar with the junction layout and I've seen many a near miss as well as road-rage aggro caused by this.

[@henryrolt3747]

Agreed, especially if it's not signed. Non-local drivers won't expect to have to merge with other traffic immediately after exiting a roundabout.

[@grease6314]

Hi Richard, I'd just like to say a massive thanks to all your videos. I managed to pass with 4 minors on Friday, and I'd say a large part of that is thanks to you! Thanks 😁👍

[@ConquerDriving]

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@ditch3827]

Well done

[@davidhawkins1404]

All good stuff. Just a shame that there are a lot that think it is ok to merge at the last minute, just because the lane they are in maybe turns left or right and they want to go straight ahead. There is a dual carriageway near me where on the approach to a roundabout the right hand lane is clearly marked for going straight ahead or to the right and the left hand lane clearly marked as left turn only. There is almost always a queue in the right lane and the ones that go up the inside and then push in at the last minute are clearly queue jumping and not merging in turn.

[@XXanimeemoangelXX]

I passed my test today second time with a new instructor and with 6 minors and It’s mostly thanks to you you’re videos really helped me calm my nerves and realised I can do this thank you so much ☺️

[@ConquerDriving]

That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@ConquerDriving]

That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@HodgePigChannel]

I'm training as an ADI and go to University of Essex. Always use the right lanes on Cowdray Avenue to ease traffic flows as intended.

[@advendro9385]

Thank you so much for the great videos lately, you are the best! Can you do a tutorial on blipping throttle starts?

[@ConquerDriving]

Thank you. I may do in the future.

[@jimbo2629]

What is missing is a sign saying “merge like a zip”. Drivers would then understand and be less likely to get annoyed. Who reads the highway code after passing their test? Oxfordshire is full of two lanes merging into one and is full of drivers who don’t want to let you in. The sign at all these places would eliminate most of that. In New Zealand there are plenty of “Merge like a zip” signs and that is exactly what drivers do. But then in New Zealand most drivers are not paranoid aggressives.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

It's hard to communicate when driving so we end up coming up with our own thoughts based on theory alone to what people are saying. Someone driving down the empty lane passed the queue automatically looks as if they are laughing with swagger. Timorous people will merge as soon as possible to feel more safe then scowl at anyone skipping 20 cars down into the queue. The main problem with this is ignorance and paranoia.

[@ibs5080]

Well Hello there Rufus! "Fortunately" I wasn't anywhere near first with this video...but I did merge in turn!

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

@@ibs5080 It's okay mate, i've been busy lately. Missed a few uploads from different channels.

[@SimonSideburns]

I faced this exact scenario this morning on the way into the great city of Portsmouth. Sign says that the lane closes in 200 yards, but there's nobody in the left hand lane. Everyone from the roundabout where the A27 meets the Eastern Road to the next set of lights down the Eastern Road is in the right hand lane and the roundabout is snarled up. I sailed along in the left lane, and thankfully no self-imposed lane monitors decided I shouldn't be queue jumping. It was just as bad when I left Portsmouth an hour or so later. I agree with what someone said. I really think there should be a nationwide advertisement highlighting what the appropriate thing to do would be in similar circumstances.

[@matsu7486]

Special mention saying thanks with your hand, always makes me smile 😂

[@kelvineldridge]

Thank you for sharing and also your perspective on merging in turn/zip merging. I found the added arrow interesting 04:44. It looks like a regular merge until the last moment.

[@HeroSnowman]

what if they never let you merge though, especially near capital cities in some countries

[@ConquerDriving]

You have to wait until someone does, for me in the UK it's usually the first car that will let me merge. Sometimes the second, can't remember the last time it was the third.

[@petecurran3995]

The general pattern is that, not knowing what 800 yds is or knowing how long it'll take to get there, even at speed, folk tend to err on the side of caution and queue early. Then because they consider they've done the right thing and such a great job etc etc, they then act awkwardly and prevent anyone attempting the 'queue jump' from entering 'their' lane, which is what causes the flow disruption. All pretty typical of poor knowledge and attitude. Great vid! 👌🏻

[@anoushkanoller6909]

thanks for clarification i always worry i’m being rude by taking that lane especially when it’s just me 😅

[@scatra1991]

Great video Richard. Newly passed driver and learning on road and with your videos. This is not something I think is highlighted or talked about in driving lessons and culture in general. I think this also might be a general "British" thing of wanting to queue and not skip in line. I didn't know this was a thing and you've made me consider this in a different light. However, I would still feel not confident to do this and would not like the cacophony of horns behind me as I merge in 😂 I think with more experience I will be able to do this more effectively

[@Gemma_xo]

I wish more people knew this. In my area, and it’s a running joke on the community forums when a road with two lanes going into a merge in turn comes up, that ‘oh it’s (insert road name here) everyone knows you don’t merge in turn, you’re not allowed!’ People just don’t let you in which is why I make a point of letting people in. The other issue I have with it is, I passed my test December 2021. To this day I am petrified of using the right hand lane unless I’m turning right or overtaking. It was drilled into me from day one of driving lessons, ‘the right hand lane is for overtaking or turning right only’. So to this day, when I look at a right hand lane, I can hear my instructors voice in my head. If I don’t have to use it, I don’t. I’ve sat many an hour in left lane traffic, being beeped at for letting those who are happy to use it in front of me, knowing they’re using it correctly. Driving is a whole new level of adulting that I wasn’t prepared for!

[@MarkNormanNZ]

Your instructor was talking about dual carriageways. Please review rule 136 of the Highway Code: “Where a single carriageway has four or more lanes, use only the lanes that signs or markings indicate.” This does not prohibit you from using the right lane when not overtaking.

[@ConquerDriving]

You can vote with your feet by using the right lane and setting an example. But every so often someone will have a go at you. You have to decide what's more important to you. Where I live (Colchester) I rarely get abuse for merging in turn but many people are afraid of using the right lane.

[@Gemma_xo]

@@MarkNormanNZ I understand what the Highway Code says. I brought this point up to my instructor. And he echoed that the right hand lane, anywhere, is for overtaking or turning right. Something he repeated multiple times during lessons. But having said that, once I passed, I had a motorway lesson with him in my own car and he didn’t mention the fact I was in the right hand line for general driving at one stage, on a normal road. So my point is, my and others I’ve seen, instructors do point out that you can’t general drive in right hand lanes because they are for overtaking or turning right which put the fear into me when I passed so I avoided them. Sometimes still do, just not as much as I would a year ago as my confidence has grown with using the right hand lane if I deemed suitable.

[@Gemma_xo]

@@ConquerDriving that’s a good point, thank you. Definitely something I’m going to work on. My brother lives in Colchester and a personal observation I’ve noticed is people are just generally nicer whilst driving down there compared to where I live.

[@MarkNormanNZ]

@@Gemma_xo I guess instructors (who know more about teaching than me) are trying to get the best outcome, but that does sound a bit confusing as you say. It's great that you are confident to use the right lane when suitable now, I wonder if this is something that should be taught as well, or if it's just easier to be picked up as drivers gain experience.

[@ntq1ty]

Great explanation and demonstration. The synchronised camera setup is great, though in this example it would have been interesting to see what the car parallel/behind you was doing: whether they were letting you merge in your turn, or as I often experience, aggressively driving as if undertaking to fill the space. I wonder if there's a way you can set up a rear facing camera that gives a similar perspective to what you see in the wing mirror? With that, it would be interesting to drive through that junction a handful of times and be able to select an instance to illustrate how you handle that kind of aggressive driver, given you rapidly run out of road space. There could be a whole video on common experiences of other poor drivers and safe approaches to handing those situations.

[@ConquerDriving]

Good point. I have some upcoming videos where I have started using a rear facing camera. If the driver wasn't being aggressive I pretty sure I would have mentioned it. I filmed this about 6 weeks ago now so I don't remember.

[@maximusmcfire]

I think, situations like merging in turn at low speed or joining a jam require some explicit rule like letting one vehicle pass in front of you. Ppl just don't want to hope for a stranger's goodwill. Staying in the right lane at the traffic light can end up waiting until everyone in front to turn right. Yes, you will pass faster if you can clearly see signals of cars in front, but what if not, or someone turned signal too late? Ppl choose "slow but sure" effortless option in both cases😃

[@joshbainbridge5086]

Had the most frustrating day. Had the practical today. On a mini roundabout I was turning right and the sun was in my eyes. A white car put his indicator on to turn I didn't see it. My examiner warned me. Tested not booked until June seriously mad.

[@ndihokubwayoherman2473]

Good teacher 👏

[@anishgautam4643]

There's a website which can rebook you if there's a cancellation, it's called Driving Test Genie, I used it after I failed my first one. It's like £20 and you have to keep aware of your phone (since it only holds onto cancellations you can accept for 10 minutes I think) but I got a cancellation only 2 weeks later which I passed, so it's worth it if you want to try again quicker.

[@ConquerDriving]

I'm sorry to hear that. Try to stay positive and keep up the practise. If you can't see clearly it's better to wait and try and get a better view, holding a hand up in front of the sun can help me sometimes. I wish you the best of luck for next time.

[@squeakers27]

It's just ashame that those who don't do the merge in turn and just sit in lane 1 or even worse straddle both lanes are unlikely to decide to improve their driving and do it properly. Just like to add that you also get problems where when you get to the merge point in slow moving traffic, sometimes multiple cars will ride the bumper of the car in front and refuse to give way and let you in, so good tip to double check in your mirrors that they are going to let you in. I remember being on the A303, signs saying two lanes merge into one in 3 miles and people were almost stationary sitting in lane 1 while lane 2 was still empty to use for potentially 3 miles still, so I moved into lane 2 and I think I got to the 1 mile until merge sign before the traffic in lane 2 was also going a slow crawling speed. So basically, I got 2 miles ahead of the lane 1 queue because of people's lack of understanding of merge in turn. It's even more critical in those junction examples you gave.

[@james9958]

Thanks a really interesting video - I've seen this discussed on another driving channel recently. It's a really tricky one, as the highway code is clear use all available lane space before merging in turn. However putting this into practice is just an invitation for aggression from other vehicles (van and large SUV drivers in particular!). Even if nobody has tried to block the lane (pulling across at short notice), by the time it gets to the merge in turn nobody is willing to let "that pusher in" to merge in. For whatever reason it seems the understanding around merge in turn is poor to non-existent, so to avoid any uncomfortable incidents I'd still be inclined to just join the back of the queue on the lane not closing.

[@MarkNormanNZ]

It’s not really tricky, just follow the Highway Code. Any advice to do the opposite is dangerous.

[@james9958]

@Mark N if you had read the comment properly you would know I wasn't advising to do the opposite to the highway code. I was sharing personal experience (and that of many other comments on this video) that trying to use both lanes often ends up in other drivers blocking the lane or not letting you merge as they perceive it as "pushing in".

[@ConquerDriving]

I understand why you would join the longer queue to avoid aggression. The trouble is though, it's many people making this decision which keeps this problem a problem.

[@mdcollins1984]

Sometimes if I'm not in a rush I'll deliberately join the long queue with the express mindset to make sure I let someone in easily to try and break their thinking that space closers always prevent a merge. Not everyone is like that.

[@MarkNormanNZ]

@@james9958 I get that, and I understand the thinking, but ultimately if we all pack one lane whatever the reason, we're all worse off. Like Richard, I use the emptiest lane to try to get traffic flowing, and if I need to merge, just wait until someone lets me in. Perhaps some people shout at me, but I never hear it through the windows and don't worry about whether it's happening.

[@Xenon777_]

There's some roundabouts here where one of the exists has 2 lanes but the right lane is barely 2 car lengths long and if you exit into the "merger" lane, people often try to undertake you so usually it's easier to exit early and into the left lane.

[@ivan_zeger]

Hi, love the videos, I have a question, if the person does not allow You to merge is he in fault? I am not referring to aggressive driving, people are people.

[@nigh7swimming]

Also, nobody has priority when merging, regardless of arrows painted. And no indicator use is required. Just be careful and fair.

[@pontushaggstrom6261]

Generally the rules say you should remain in your lane untill its time to switch. You should merge when it's time to merge. At that time you generally do have to yield fo rpeople in the other driving lane, but they should still help you out to get into the lane you're indicating to.

[@Gr1mR34p3r85]

1:40 - drive slowly if you don't have anyone behind you and only then merge, then no one will think you are queue jumping. But if you come blazing with full speed towards the end and try to squeeze on the left, that is a different matter.

[@Shteev91]

You mentioned that on faster roads that its advisable to merge early before a lane closure. What happens when you end up with 1 or 2 lanes slowly moving and backed up 600-800 yards with the lane closing completely empty for those 600 odd yards? I feel this is the biggest cause of frustration for people thinking you are queue jumping.

[@Armarillos]

Passed 30 mins ago with 2 minors!!!! Richard you’re my guy!!

[@ConquerDriving]

Awesome! Congratulations on passing!

[@InevitableMayo]

I will always use the shorter lane, and there is always someone who tries to block you out. I know this isn't how I should react, but if someone is blocking me out, I'm going to keep coming. It's not my fault the other person CHOSE to sit in traffic for a longer period.

[@senseofthecommonman]

Pleasure to share the road with you…not

[@InevitableMayo]

@@senseofthecommonman Learn the highway code

[@jamiemac12580]

2:00 i always say the same when people complain about merge in turn. If u was in the supermarket, would you join the queue with 20 people or the queue with 5 people?

[@henryrolt3747]

Fantastic video, but slightly disagree with one part. What I do in the situation at 2:51 is monitor traffic behind/ahead in the lane which I will need to move to from very early on, but plan to exit the closed lane 50-100m before the cones. I also roughly match my speed to the lane I'll be moving to, no shooting past a 30mph queue at 70. That plan absolutely might need to change for safety's sake, hence the continuous observation. But for the same reason merge in turn is good, not leaving half a mile of empty open lane also seems good 🤷

[@ConquerDriving]

I'm referring to queuing traffic more than flowing traffic. Two shorter queues helps prevent junctions further down the road from being blocked than once longer queue.

[@henryrolt3747]

@@ConquerDriving fair point, I suppose if traffic is flowing fast enough, there shouldn't really be a need to merge in turn.

[@tomcat7493]

There is one road it’s this type of lane during my journey to college and another one on the way back home on the exit of the same roundabout and people like to ignore the road markings and overtake me on the chevrons because I’m a learner. The last time someone did this to me they made me have to brake pretty hard because they were closer to me than I was comfortable with and they wouldn’t have passed me fully after the chevrons ended.

[@MegaGamerscast]

in my city, we have a huge issue of people not knowing how this works. a few weeks ago i almost had an accident due to people blocking me from merging

[@brianligat2038]

The argument about 2 lanes costing more money also applies to motorways where the left lane is left empty by "middle-lane hoggers", causing delays to everyone behind.

[@KindredBrujah]

What is with the lights at the junction at 4:21: Red light on the right side but green on the left and the advance light. There's no indication (when it's red, at least) on that right side light that it's for right-turns only (which I assume is the case). If there were a big lorry or something blocking the lights to the left you would have little idea which lights you're supposed to follow.

[@ConquerDriving]

It does look at bit misleading.

[@jindre7547]

National Highways would do well to hire Conquer Driving for a Merge in Turn awareness campaign

[@MarkNormanNZ]

Not merging in turn and using overtaking lanes without overtaking are so common in the UK it’s almost as if someone else is trying to teach this to people, at odds with the excellent instructions here!

[@terrieknight3530]

Love your vids could you do some teaching videos covering most if not all topics. I'm a driving instructor and learn a lot from you. You could do a charged thing

[@ConquerDriving]

Thank you for watching, it's great to hear the videos are helping. It may be something I consider if I have enough time.

[@michaelg1724]

They don’t work in some instances because people are not robots, all it does is cause the left hand queue to build up as people brake to merge in. Where I live is a merge after roundabout and it would flow better if the right lane was forced to go right

[@mrJonnyH1]

One thing that was not mentioned was, what if you don’t know what ways the road turns or goes forward if you’re stuck in traffic and you don’t want to be in the wrong lane when you come up to lights. I find as a role of thumb take the left Lane when going straight across.

[@ConquerDriving]

If you don't know the area then choose the lane you know will get you there. When you know the area though, make good use of the available road.

[@Stimm002]

Thing with this is everyone seems to have it backwards. They are all quite happy to push round at speed, often over running the end of the lane to get infront but then get annoyed when people use both in traffic. It makes no logical sense.

[@ConquerDriving]

That's a very good point, although I think the minority think it's a good idea to do it at speed and over run the end.

[@Stimm002]

@@ConquerDriving oh for sure, it's not the majority and they don't plan to overrun even then they just had poor planning and timing. It's just interesting that even those who don't overrun seem to think its fine to use both lanes at speed and luck in near the end but get all up in arms when it's slow moving traffic on the same road and people do it.

[@markm-ci6rj]

Yes, you explained it far far better than some other instructors on you tube from Liverpool. But but but, when you get towards the end of the lane your in and see it is ending should you not be reading the road ahead and at 4:40 should you not be looking at pulling in behind the white car rather then going up to the end at pushing in?

[@ConquerDriving]

If you mere early in slow moving traffic you will make the queue longer which may block junctions behind so it's best to use all the space and merge together like a zip.

[@markm-ci6rj]

@@ConquerDriving Traffic needs to slow to let you in though? What software are you using to creat the illustration?

[@BsktImp]

How long has MIT been around (in UK)? It just doesn't make any sense to me that so many drivers don't appear to understand or even know about it but immediately think someone's queue jumping.

[@david1731048]

I've seen an increasing amount of lane closures these days with huge signs now saying "MERGE IN TURN"! And what happens? They all still create a 5 mile single queue with an empty lane. Backing up to the last junction and blocking traffic lights etc. Same with middle lane drivers. Thick as mince.

[@Lawdrich]

3:00 - Ugh! A12 roadworks approaching Tollgate and Marks Tey. It's normally a lot more stationary on a morning commute.

[@fullmooneve1651]

I learnt to drive abroad some 30 years ago. Been driving in the UK for 10 years and blending lanes are a nightmare.

[@samson374]

you were in colchester with this one! 🙌🏻

[@ConquerDriving]

Yes I was.

[@BloodyHeck]

But if everyone has merged early enough that by the time it's reduced to one lane, everyone can just keep traveling through at normal speed as if the other lane wasn't even there. What slows people down is that they get to the merge point and often have to come to a complete stop trying to "take turns". While the zipper merge looks good in a computer illustration and works in theory, one thing that's never illustrated is if you include big trucks. Normally, trucks are often in the right lane (in the U.S.) so if it's the left lane that's ending, when cars are still in the left lane at the merge point, usually not just the first car but all cars who are next to the truck want to get over. If one car takes its turn and moves in front of the truck, the next few cars have to come to a complete stop as the truck passes. Then if the next car gets over behind the first truck and in front of the next truck, again, all cars in the left lane have to come to a complete stop. Conversely, if it's the right lane that ends and the trucks are trying to merge at the merge point, the cars aren't going to "take turns". You're not going to have one car left the first truck over and then the next car sit and wait as the next truck gets over. In all the times I've ever seen the illustrations of how efficient zipper merging is, I have yet to see one that adds trucks to the mix. Another illustration is to have at least ten people in a room and have them get in a single line to walk out the door. If everyone is in the line, they can just walk out the door at a regular walking pace. But if you have them in two lines and tell them to take turns, they're going to have to go slower waiting for another person.

[@a_C_]

I once went to IKEA which is an area I'm not familiar with. Everyone started queueing way beforehand but I wasn't aware about that until I saw the traffic light 20 cars ahead allows only the left lane to turn in. I decided to slow down, stop and merge in because I didn't want to continue to jump the queue, but I was then blocking other traffic that was heading in another destination. What should you do in this case?

[@MarkNormanNZ]

Do the merge close to the lights to avoid blocking traffic behind you. Or drive ahead and then find a way to come back.

[@ConquerDriving]

In this situation is better to go the wrong way. You should not stop flowing traffic to wait to merge. Most times I go somewhere new I will get the wrong lane at least once, I'll change to the correct lane if safe or ill just go the wrong way and add a bit of time to my journey. It's OK to change lane and ask with the signal, but you should not stop a clear flowing lane to help you go the correct way.

[@HeinrichDixon]

This made me laugh! More than thirty years ago, I was driving in Bridport, Dorset. It was my first visit, and according to my ROAD ATLAS(!), I needed to turn left at the next junction. I drove past all the vehicles parked at the side of the road. After passing many vehicles, I saw traffic lights ahead. It was clear from the configuration of the lights that the "parked" cars I had passed were, in fact, queuing at the lights to turn left and I was in the 'ahead' lane. My passenger and I laughed when I told her. I indicated to join the queue - which had started moving - and was kindly let in. (From the big grin on his face, it seemed to me that the driver understood what I had done.) 🍌😂😂

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

Merging in turn at the point of merge is very good driving but not everyone understands, 2 short queues are better than 1 long queue, it’s not rocket science! But yes, as you say, merging in turn is best at very slow speeds, for example approaching roadworks and 1 lane is closed but at fast speeds it’s best to change lane as soon as possible.

[@thelastwoltzer]

I drive in a city with left side returns with 2 lanes but with only 1 queue, and people rarely occupy that one slot on the right side. So I am queue jumping if I decide to drive past the queue and stop at that slot? Keep in mind that it will not disturb the traffic flow when the light turns green. They will do the return and merge on the left lane and I'll be on the right lane

[@ConquerDriving]

If you're in Great Britain then you should use both lanes to queue if both the lanes go in the same direction.

[@samatronn]

What do you do if the cars don't let you merge in? I assume you would go up as far as you can and just stop, and assume someone will be kind enough to stop for you to merge in? I had this in my earlier stages of driving and think it impacted my confidence a lot (so now working on calming some driving anxiety -.- )

[@ConquerDriving]

If you wait patiently with your signal on at the merge in turn point a vehicle will let you in. Usually it happens within three cars but often it's the first or second car that lets me in.

[@samatronn]

@@ConquerDriving thanks!

[@charlotteoleary196]

I have a question. We have a merge in turn lane like this on a hill locally that has a speed trap halfway up it. What cars do is overtake - I'm doing 30mph so they are over the speed limit - then they swing in front of me. I've managed to react in time but once two cars did it and I nearly went into the back of the other one as I wasn't expecting him to cut me up. Is that right for them to overtake over the speed limit in that lane? This is when there isn't much traffic and we're all going at the speed limit. Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I don't understand why they are suddenly doing 40mph+ to overtake when they can just drive at the speed limit behind me.

[@Grahamvfr]

Still takes a lot of bottle unfortunately to do that on a closed r/h Lane when everyone has moved early, as you eluded to. However I've seen signs saying "use both lanes up to merge" but very rare.

[@muffinstuffin6]

0:51 This is a weird example. Sure, tearing the paper in half makes both pieces shorter, but after the merge, it becomes the same length piece of paper again. So all you're really doing is taking that single lane and adding complexity to it. Let's use a highway lane closure due to construction for an example: Ever notice traffic starts flowing better once you've passed the lane closure? It's because the front of the line doesn't have to brake to allow cars merging at the last second. If the front of the line doesn't have to slow down as much, the back of the line doesn't have to slow down as much. I'm still convinced moving over as soon as possible is faster for the flow of traffic, than merging at the last moment.

[@Groot-zc5rz]

They even use a use both lane signs, yet people still don't understand.

[@cocoapey]

I definitely learned new thing from this video. Anyway, I just have a video suggestion, Richard. I have watched in Tiktok some videos of people doing a hack on the roundabouts. Basically the person wants to turn left on a roundabout but the queue going to the left is too long, so what they did is they went signal right and go around the roundabout then signal left when their correct exit is on and they'll just leave the roundabout without having to wait in the very long queue. Would this be considered queue jumping or just plain smart? I hope you understand my explanation. Everyone's opinions are divided. 😊

[@ConquerDriving]

That's a very old trick and is definitely queue jumping. In doing this you go all the way round the roundabout needlessly causing everyone else who wants to enter the roundabout to wait for you including the queue you were in before you entered the roundabout. This makes traffic worse.

[@ibs5080]

I will say that I have done this on occasion. London taxi drivers actually have a name for this technique. It's called a Brook's Gambit. No idea why but there you go!

[@cocoapey]

@@ConquerDriving ohh, that's good to know. Thank you for clearing that one up Richard!! 😊👍🏻

[@buzzard3515]

I agree with Glaiceana Definitely a requirement for Public Information film regarding this manoeuvre as well as " middle lane hoggers " Lanes 2 and 3 are for overtaking only and under normal circumstances once the manoeuvre has taken place you should return to the inside lane. Keep to the left when possible ! Not rocket science !

[@siddxartxa]

Aren't the rules like with merging in general? There are 2 lanes in one direction, if you are simply following your lane, you have a priority over those, who are changing their lane? I've only recently passed my driving test (not the UK), been driving successfully, but I clearly remember that the one going in their lane has an advantage over those merging into your lane. Please explain if I got something wrong

[@ConquerDriving]

You are correct, you have priority in your lane. In my opinion there needs to be a rule for when two lanes merge that no one has priority and what's in front stays in front and what's behind stays behind. The same for slip roads, giving priority to traffic on the main road causes less safe driving in my opinion. The car at speed on the slip road needs to merge and should not be at the mercy of people on the main road when it's easy for them to help.

[@ShockR.wrestles]

I see it regularly on the A40 coming into town near Hangar Lane where the two right hand lanes have clearly ‘Stay in Lane’ on the road, yet I always see people change lane to come off at Hangar Lane roundabout

[@3dprinterguy393]

I do this and there is a very good example of it not to far too me but the looks I get sometimes and even the odd horn people probably think im jumping the queue when I aint

[@Omarock]

Same thing in Canada. People who merge too early in slow traffic make my blood boil. They try to force their way into the queue, leaving kilometers of wasted empty lane ahead and slowing down everyone behind them. They think they're being nice by not jumping the queue but at the same time it makes traffic worse!

[@johncharalambous7567]

I’m sure this is communicated whilst learning to drive and I’m sure it makes up part of the driving test (I’m way too old to suggest for sure, when I passed my test it wasn’t and it was never taught). There appears to be a ‘this is my space’ attitude on the roads nowadays and anyone using the 2nd lane in this scenario are stealing space, hence why it causes so many issues.

[@johnwick-ii6il]

In many cases the obstruction to flow comes well after the merge point. and only so many cars can pass thru the obstruction in any given time frame. Therefore it makes no difference how they merge before they get there. The only benefit is that the policy makes two shorter lines from one long one that can block other traffic.. But there is still the same number of cars in front of you. And now you have drivers darting back and forth from lane to lane....Just to get ahead a few cars. This could not happen with one line.

[@dan3dp]

On the At 5:00 why did you indicate left? You're not joining the left lane, both become one lane and it's equal priority.

[@jay9958]

What if nobody gave way for you to merge into the lane? You would just have sit there and wait for all the traffic to pass by or hope someone is nice enough to give way

[@ConquerDriving]

Use your signal and position to suggest your intentions. Most of the time the first car lets me in if my position, speed and signal makes myself intentions clear.

[@SpartasEdge]

Well, the obvious problem with this is; it holds up everyone that doesn't want to turn off, while the outside lane is held up by people trying to merge, it means voth lanes bottled up instead of one. It makes more sense to me, to have people turning off in one lane, and people going straight on in the other; when motorways are concerned anyway, and there's room for seperate lanes.

[@steffanking85]

If that white car at 4.32 wants to be a bar steward. Who has priority at the merge in point?

[@pupface]

Don't people ask why there are two lanes in the first place?

[@JurivonStolzenberg14]

UK 2 nd career HGV driver here.when I approach any of those 2- to one lane challenges for uk public, I simply drive in the to be closed lane slower than other priority / entitled/ German-brand -and -no- brains -lane, as I approach last 200 yards/ 180 metres or so I indicate , leave Spa e left and match speed so others can decide where to let me into queue. I don't speed uo to last metre, I give others chance to observe, notice merging traffic and then slot in when a bright one has found out that way the traffic flows best. They shoul play more in Kindergarten here to understand badic physics.😅

[@ricequackers]

As is usual in the UK, about 95% of drivers do the right thing in my experience. There's also an unspoken "join-in-turn method" when vehicles want to turn left from a side road onto a congested main road that most people follow properly, and an overall sense of "keep things flowing". The problem is the small minority.

[@ConquerDriving]

I agree that it's the small minority that make an issue.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

Just a quick question, there’s a junction exactly the same as this in my local town, 3 lanes, lane 1 goes left and straight, lane 2 goes straight and lane 3 turns right, if I’m in lane 1 going straight and there’s a car in lane 2 also going straight should I wait until they move off first so I’m not undertaking them? I always let them go first so I’m not undertaking but just wanted to get your thoughts, many thanks. 🙃

[@ColinAgnew-xw3cg]

It may be merging but its changing direction and only when its safe to do so as u don't have priority

[@ditch3827]

Excellent explanation.

[@tkralva.6668]

If the traffic is flowing at a good speed then a driver attempting to squeeze in at the end by speeding down the lane only causes a tailback as drivers are forced to slow down or even stop to let them in. However, if the traffic is slow theb using both lanes is best. What people tend to forget though is that when driving at the slow speed you should by the end of the merge lane be driving next to a gap between cars. (In fact both lanes should do that) by doing that the merge in the last 50m should be occurring naturally. It is wrong to go beyond the point where the lane starts to narrow and force your way in. Indeed the lane that is merging should ensure that it is safe to change lanes. This is especially true when it is a temporary lane closure, where the one changing lanes is responsible for the safety. When it is a permanent fixture, so the lanes merge equally to a central lane then each lane has the responsiblity. What is wrong is when people drive over both lanes to stop the other lane passing. There is a section of road with about 100m of 2 lanes merging after a traffic light junction. When people use it correctly it flows well, even if the pedestrian lights just after are on red. But when people use incorrectly then it can cause tailbacks to a previous roundabout.

[@monkeybob071]

Quick question, you covered lanes ending and you covered lanes merging in slow traffic, but you didn't cover the one that causes most angst; Lanes merging at 30 - 50mph. These do not meet the "slow moving" definition, however there is confusion as to which policy is best taken and people ardently defend "their" point of view on it. So as a professional instructor what is your view (although am sure lots of other people will comment as well, and more the merrier)?

[@ConquerDriving]

The faster you are going the earlier you should try to merge. But when you have two or more lanes to pass junctions, use them all when it's busy.

[@monkeybob071]

@@ConquerDriving I didn't actually expect a reply, so thank you for that. I agree that all lanes should be used, you explain it well, was just seeking clarification as so often online comment sections descend into tribes of "merge in turn always" versus "never" without anyone considering the nuances of the rule. I think the advice of a lady from the festival circuit works best; just back off if someone else wants to be an inpatient fool. It's not worth your time.

[@jimmycburfield5997]

What if? Two lanes; two destinations; Carlisle. One lane heads west; one lane goes north west? People dive into the lane heading northwest (the quieter lane) then move back in. Often this is at speed? So is this queue jumping or merging in turn? Help me out?

[@ConquerDriving]

The lanes go different ways, so I would consider that queue jumping.