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THIS DRIVER felt like they cheated the world after driving down an open lane to merge in turn.
The motorist sparked debate across the r/drivingUK community on Reddit after using an empty lane before a road closure.
Writing online, the driver said: "I drove 900 whole yards on my own in a closed-ahead-lane and merged in turn (on my own) and felt like I cheated the world."
The driver added: "I know I did nothing wrong.
"I know merging in turn is literally that: merging, one by one, in turn, at the end.
"HOWEVER, driving by all these people queuing unnecessarily, watching me cruise by, probably judging me or worse, just felt wrong.
"I wanted to stop the car, get out, and wave them my way.
"How is this so misunderstood?"
Dozens of motorists responded with similar experiences, reporting that drivers routinely queue for miles in one lane rather than using road space.
Many drivers admitted they line up early out of a sense of politeness to avoid being viewed as pushy.
Others pointed out that some road users even move vans or cars across lanes to deliberately stop others from passing.
Under Rule 134 of the Highway Code, merging in turn is the recommended procedure when traffic is moving slowly.
Rule 134 states: "In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily.
"Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident.
"It is not recommended at high speed."
Guidance from the AA explains that using both lanes and merging at the obstruction, also known as zip merging, reduces queue lengths and stops congestion backing up into previous junctions.
The organisation noted that a "British obsession with queuing" leads many people on the road to view motorists in the open lane as a "queue jumper".
Traffic experts warn that motorists must not block drivers using a merging lane.
Straddling lanes or blocking traffic to prevent vehicles from filtering to the closure point is dangerous and breaches road traffic laws.
Police can penalise drivers who intentionally obstruct traffic with fines and points for careless or inconsiderate driving.
Motoring organisations advise drivers to remain patient, use both lanes until the merge point, and allow vehicles to filter in one by one.