Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for Highway Code violations this Easter break, with experts urging motorists to take extra care.
It comes as millions of Britons are expected to hit the roads during peak travel times this week, which could result in more traffic rules being broken.
This includes breaching traffic violations, Highway Code rules and Clean Air Zone penalties, all of which could result in drivers facing more penalties this Easter break.
Experts have warned drivers to avoid tailgating, which is another serious violation that could lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points. Speeding, however, carries the heaviest penalties, with fines up to £2,500 for significant violations on motorways.
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Drivers can be fined for breaking Highway Code rules this Easter break
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Rory Brimmer, UK Managing Director at Turo, warned that "middle-lane-hogging" is a common mistake that can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points.
According to Rule 264 of the Highway Code: "You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear.
"Keep in the left lane unless overtaking. If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so. Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area."
It also stated that if driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, "you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles".
Rule 126 of the Highway Code also warns drivers to keep a safe stopping distance between vehicles, particularly during busy holiday traffic.
Brimmer explained that during holiday periods, police often increase enforcement on major routes, with "penalties depending on how far over the limit a driver is caught and the type of road".
As more drivers hit the road during the Bank Holiday period, experts have warned of greater risks of breakdowns, with new data revealing a 60 per cent rise in motorway breakdowns since 2020.
The M6 has emerged as particularly problematic, accounting for half of the top 10 breakdown hotspots across the motorway network.
Meanwhile, Junctions 11 and 12 on the M62 between Warrington and Eccles saw the most breakdowns in 2024, with 2,080 incidents recorded. This equates to almost six breakdowns per day at this single location.
Junctions 15 and 14 of the M6 between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford North ranked fourth with 1,650 incidents, while other M6 junctions near Knutsford, Middlewich and Nuneaton also featured in the top 10.
Breakdowns across England's motorway network have risen dramatically, with incidents increasing by nearly 60 per cent over the past four years, with 282,949 breakdowns recorded last year.
Kara Gammell, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, stated that driving collisions can have a "knock-on effect" on breakdowns as vehicles stuck in long queues and heavy traffic can overheat.
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Drivers can be fined £100 for speeding in the UK PAGammell shared: "Seasonal vehicles such as campervans and caravans can suffer issues after a lack of use in the winter months and being taken back onto the road without proper checks.
"Hot weather can also cause problems generally with vehicles overheating, especially if you’re in heavy traffic that means you’re stopping and starting."
