Driving in the 4 lane part of the M50?

Thumpette

Hey all,

I was just curious about the correct way to drive on the parts of the M50 with 4 lanes.

It is my understanding that the furthest left lane isnt really part of the M50 in that it is the exit lane to the next exit.

That being correct we are left with 3 lanes. I stay on the Motorway until the M1/M50 roundabout so I normally stay in the middle lane of these 3, as my understanding is that the far right lane is for overtaking, the 2nd lane from the left is the 'preparation to go into the exit lane', so the obvious one for me to sit in would be this 2nd from the right.

I usually do the speed limit here if traffic allows however I have been flashed a couple of times- leading me to wonder if im wrong in where I am!

Any help in clearing this up appreciated!

Alanstrainor

The keep left rule applies. Stay in the left most lane unless you are overtaking. This applies on all motorways, be they 2 or 3 lane.

flamegrill

The 4th lane is a lane for people going between exits. It's ok to go into this lane as you approach your exit.

You'll note the lines between the main 3 carriage ways and the left most lane are different thus pointing out that it's not the same.

Paul

oxegen85

Alanstrainor wrote: »

The keep left rule applies. Stay in the left most lane unless you are overtaking. This applies on all motorways, be they 2 or 3 lane.

we all know that doesnt happen though

Guy:Incognito

Alanstrainor wrote: »

The keep left rule applies. Stay in the left most lane unless you are overtaking. This applies on all motorways, be they 2 or 3 lane.

Just to be clear Alanstraitor means the leftmost of the 3 diving lanes. The staging lane has deliberate markings to distinguish it from the main carriageway and is only used for exiting/entering the motorway.


OP the Middle and outside lanes are both for overtaking so unless you are you should be in the left lane.

Guy:Incognito

oxegen85 wrote: »

we all know that doesnt happen though

Thats only because of stupid and/or ignorant drivers.

daveharnett

Stekelly wrote: »

OP the Middle and outside lanes are both for overtaking so unless you are you should be in the left lane.

This ^
Well done for asking OP. Life would be a little easier if more people took the time to inform themselves.

Berty

Long Story Short OP.

You are driving in the wrong lane.

Hopefully you might take on board the advice from the people here and drive in the left lane until you actually need to overtake.

Hopefully you might ignore those who come on here winging that you should have known in the first place.

Victor

The very left lane should essentially be treated as a separate carriageway. You should only cross between that lane and the other lanes when joining or leaving the motorway.

oxegen85 wrote: »

we all know that doesnt happen though

And hence the term "middle lane moron". Sorry Thumpette.

It is not unreasonable to stay in the middle lane it you are constantly passing traffic in the left lane at a substantially higher speed. If the left lane is empty for some distance ahead, you must move in.

---

Similarly on the M2 in Belfast as it is approaching the M5, there is a heavy line indicating that traffic on the 3 lefthand lanes shouldn't interact with the traffic on the two righthand lanes. http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=t33712gh5zbz&scene=12503220&lvl=2&sty=o

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=belfast&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=25.981365,47.460937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Belfast,+County+Antrim,+United+Kingdom&ll=54.619303,-5.920858&spn=0.000578,0.002473&t=k&z=19

Wishbone Ash

daveharnett wrote: »

Life would be a little easier if more people took the time to inform themselves.

.......or if the NRA would provide proper signage. On part of the M1 heading north, the overhead gantry indicates that the left lane is for 'SWORDS' and the right lane is for 'BELFAST'. :rolleyes:

oxegen85

im not saying that this is what should be done... just outlining what actually happens instead of what is meant to happen

Thumpette

Thanks guys,

I'll certainly take it on board. There does seem to be a fair bit of confusion over this though. I've asked at least half a dozen people and got a lot of different answers.

It's a pity really they dont add motorway driving skills into driving lessons... In fairness if you arent allowed to go on a motorway until they day you pass your test, and then suddenly you are set loose on potentially such a driving environment, is it any wonder there is confusion!

Victor

Thumpette wrote: »

It's a pity really they dont add motorway driving skills into driving lessons...

No harm in doing an advanced driving course.

Absurdum

Thumpette wrote: »

Thanks guys,

I'll certainly take it on board. There does seem to be a fair bit of confusion over this though. I've asked at least half a dozen people and got a lot of different answers.

It's a pity really they dont add motorway driving skills into driving lessons... In fairness if you arent allowed to go on a motorway until they day you pass your test, and then suddenly you are set loose on potentially such a driving environment, is it any wonder there is confusion!

How on earth is it confusing? It couldn't be more straightforward!

Guy:Incognito

Thumpette wrote: »

Thanks guys,

I'll certainly take it on board. There does seem to be a fair bit of confusion over this though. I've asked at least half a dozen people and got a lot of different answers.

!

There shouldnt be any confusion. It's the same system used everywhere and it's detailed in the rules of the road that was delivered free to every household.

People just need to learn some personal responsibility and learn things that might not be explained to them in every detail by the authorities.

Absurdum

Stekelly wrote: »

People just need to learn some personal responsibility and learn things that might not be explained to them in every detail by the authorities.

or get the bus

hi5

flamegrill wrote: »

The 4th lane is a lane for people going between exits. It's ok to go into this lane as you approach your exit.

You'll note the lines between the main 3 carriage ways and the left most lane are different thus pointing out that it's not the same.

Paul

If your in this lane can you undertake the traffic in the 3 main lanes?
Does anybody have a link to exact rules that apply? Thanks.

Berty

hi5 wrote: »

If your in this lane can you undertake the traffic in the 3 main lanes?
Does anybody have a link to exact rules that apply? Thanks.

Its a separate carraigeway rather like a bus lane.

You would not expect a bus to wait for traffic to move outside of the bus lane before it moves. Same thing really but the lane cannot be used for jumping traffic queues.

Thumpette

Stekelly wrote: »

There shouldnt be any confusion. It's the same system used everywhere and it's detailed in the rules of the road that was delivered free to every household.

People just need to learn some personal responsibility and learn things that might not be explained to them in every detail by the authorities.

Jesus I forgot how sanctimonious some people can be on this thread. I was asking for some genuine advise and I was thanking the people for providing such.

Seriously- I wish we were all as all knowing as yourself...

hi5

Berty wrote: »

Its a separate carraigeway rather like a bus lane.

You would not expect a bus to wait for traffic to move outside of the bus lane before it moves. Same thing really but the lane cannot be used for jumping traffic queues.

Thanks Berty,I thought as much.
This would then mean the traffic on the 3 main lanes have to give way to the possibly faster traffic on the dedicated lane should they decide to take the approaching exit.

Guy:Incognito

Thumpette wrote: »

Jesus I forgot how sanctimonious some people can be on this thread. I was asking for some genuine advise and I was thanking the people for providing such.

Seriously- I wish we were all as all knowing as yourself...

Firstly, it wasnt an attack in you. Maybe you overestimate your importance?:)

Secondly, I know stuff because I choose to learn it. All the information is there if you want it.

ardmacha

This would then mean the traffic on the 3 main lanes have to give way to the possibly faster traffic on the dedicated lane should they decide to take the approaching exit.

The auxiliary lane runs all the way between the junctions, mostly these are quite a distance apart. Consequently you have several minutes driving to move into the auxiliary lane. You shouldn't have major problem if you don't wait until the very last point that you can swerve into it, which seems to be what some people do.

Lord Nikon

If I got onto the M50 at Palmerstown Junction heading for Red Cow junction, would using the leftmost lane for the journey be okay?

Also, would moving at a higher speed in this lane be acceptable?

macplaxton

neuromancer wrote: »

If I got onto the M50 at Palmerstown Junction heading for Red Cow junction, would using the leftmost lane for the journey be okay?

Also, would moving at a higher speed in this lane be acceptable?

I'd say so, as I considered it a running lane.

crc

hi5 wrote: »

Does anybody have a link to exact rules that apply? Thanks.

http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for-driving/motorways/on-the-motorway.html

unkel

macplaxton wrote: »

I'd say so, as I considered it a running lane.

+1

It's like a "local lane". There is no need to join the motorway if you're exiting at the next junction

DubTony

neuromancer wrote: »

If I got onto the M50 at Palmerstown Junction heading for Red Cow junction, would using the leftmost lane for the journey be okay?

Also, would moving at a higher speed in this lane be acceptable?

It is definitely ok to stay in the "leftmost lane" for the journey. The lane was designed as such to allow drivers to travel between junctions without entering the main carraigeway (motorway)

Whether or not you can "undertake" on this lane is a whole other question. I have a feeling it'll be tested in court some day.

To the OP. Good for you for asking the question. There are way too many people who never ask it, or ignore the advice when it's given. A few of us around here can get a bit hot under the collar when this comes up.

Personally I go a little loopy when I come upon a middle lane hogger. I've even gone so far as to undertake 5 or 6 cars together on the N7 as I blew my horn at them. :eek: What I can't understand is why people do it at all. To me it just feels wrong. Anyway, if we could just get the truckers and bus drivers to pull over it'd be a pretty good start. Professional drivers my arse.

Wishbone Ash

hi5 wrote: »

This would then mean the traffic on the 3 main lanes have to give way to the possibly faster traffic on the dedicated lane should they decide to take the approaching exit.

It's a basic rule of motoring - only change lane if it is safe to do so and only after indicating one's intention to do so!

CharlieCroker

DubTony wrote: »

I've even gone so far as to undertake 5 or 6 cars together on the N7 as I blew my horn at them. :eek:

While I understand your frustration with the N7 (I've experienced it plenty of times too), the penalty for undertaking (Dangerous Driving) is usually a lot higher than that of not driving in the left hand lane (Driving without reasonable consideration).

Wishbone Ash

DubTony wrote: »

Personally I go a little loopy when I come upon a middle lane hogger. I've even gone so far as to undertake 5 or 6 cars together on the N7 as I blew my horn at them. :eek: What I can't understand is why people do it at all. To me it just feels wrong. Anyway, if we could just get the truckers and bus drivers to pull over it'd be a pretty good start. Professional drivers my arse.

I don't understand that very immature mentality. You criticise others for their lack of professionalism and then do something which is much worse. :rolleyes:

oxegen85

I dont see the why people would get so animated with people who hog the middle lane.. Isnt there another lane to the right to overtake if theyre annoying you that much? Not that im in the middle lane much but if theres somone there and you need to get past quicker just overtake them in the overtaking lane to the right.. and the prople who say they undertake when they met a middle lane hogger... arent ye doing the same thing with being behind this car?