Undertaking, or passing on the inside, is not actually illegal*. However, it could be construed as dangerous driving by the police, so it is not recommended unless:

	You are travelling slowly
	The speed differential between the cars is low
	The traffic is queuing

In my opinion, there is no reason why undertaking should be any more hazardous than overtaking, as the same rules of care and observation should apply to all parties at all times. Do people really only look in their mirrors when pulling out to the right, and manoeuvre blindly if going left? I think not.

In America, undertaking is actively encouraged, so why not here? In fact, we could then leave MLMs to their own devices and just drive around them in whatever lane we choose. You may want to discuss this with other enraged motorists in The Forum.

*See The Official Reply

Roadcraft, the police driver's handbook, allows a long flash of the headlights to make yourself visible to other road users. The MLM is obviously in a mind of his own, because otherwise he would have moved over as soon as he'd seen you, right? So a three second long retina-incinerating blast on main beam seems perfectly excusable.

I can't see the point in this. Flashing works because it draws attention to you position, whereas who's going to notice an indicator. Flashing is more forceful anyway. If you are going to tell someone to move over, have the courage of your convictions.

Cutting an MLM up and darting to the inside lane isn't recommended, even if it does show them the error of their ways in no uncertain terms. It's just too dangerous.

Again, this is a bit dodgy; it risks a collision, especially if you are following a cretin who can't drive anyway. Besides, it renders flashing them useless as your headlights won't be visible beneath the line of the numpty's rear window. However, the definition of tailgating can be a matter of opinion - some tossers think you're tailgating them if you're following at a distance of two miles. And if you don't 'catch' the car in front, how will they know you want to get past? The best tactic is to keep a reasonable distance behind them and overtake them swiftly and decisively when the situation allows.

A sensible option. If MLMs annoy you, why not write to your local MP or the Department of Transport at the address at the bottom of the page. Our aims are:

	Increased "Keep Left Unless Overtaking" signage on dual carriageways and motorways, especially in relation to the new dot matrix electronic gantries.
	To make motorists aware of the menace of the Middle Lane Moron, and educate them to ensure they do not become one themselves.
	To instigate a discussion in Parliament about passing on the inside. Undertaking could, one day, be officially sanctioned, and become as legitimate a manoeuvre as overtaking. To prevent abuse of this rule, inappropriate or dangerous overtaking could be punished using existing legislation (such as Driving Without Due Care and Attention).

Polite written correspondence can be sent to this division of the Department of Transport. Well, they were the guys who responded to Dave's email anyway.

ROAD SAFETY DIVISION 3
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
ZONE 2/13
GREAT MINSTER HOUSE
76 MARSHAM STREET
LONDON SW1P 4DR

Website: www.roads.dft.gov.uk