A TESCO INVESTIGATON has been launched and they may have to rethink their naughty list after a driver was filmed driving dangerously on a busy motorway.
The incident happened on Friday December 18, at 11.22am on the M4 motorway heading westbound at junction 9, Maidenhead in Berkshire.
Due to road works 50mph average speed cameras are currently installed on this stretch of the motorway.
Pawel Kuchta was a passenger, and his friend was driving, when he spotted the Tesco vehicle in the third lane of the motorway.
As a qualified HGV and Coach driver himself, he knew vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are banned from the outside lane on motorways with three or more lanes. He was also shocked when he saw the driver dangerously close to other vehicles and decided to start filming.
The Highway Code rule 265 states that the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes must not be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving:
- any vehicle drawing a trailer.
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver.
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
Pawel, 33, said: “Tesco lorry, third lane on M4, junction 9 – doing about 55mph in a 50.”
The five-minute clip shows the driver moving between lanes two and three several times, and despite the middle lane being empty he continued to drive in lane three longer than needed – however he eventually signalled left.
As they overtook the Tesco vehicle Mr Kuchta continued to record and aimed the camera towards the driver.
“Smile” he said, and the driver spotted him and immediately stuck up his middle finger.
“Did you get him?” he’s asked and he replies: “Yeah, he said f**k you.”
A few minutes later as they are about to leave the motorway, the Tesco lorry back in the outside lane and dangerously close to a small white van and this persuaded them to report the incident to the Police.
Later that afternoon he shared the clip on a Facebook group which has attracted hundreds of comments.
Gaz Barker commented: “Hope your taking it further?
“I’m a HGV driver and can’t believe how many of these drivers go in 3rd lane when not allowed to.”
Kevin Chesworth wrote: “I think it’s reasonable to assume this Stobart’s driver is not familiar with the Highway Code.”
Darren Smith said: “Looks like he wanted to read the newspaper on the back seat.”
Janis Dreimanis added: “Every little finger helps, and there is no naughty list this year!”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “These are unacceptable actions and we are now investigating this incident.
“All our drivers are given extensive training that covers the rules and laws around road usage, as well as our own standards and expectations of our drivers.”
Thames Valley Police have confirmed the incident was reported to them, but the investigation has since been filed pending further evidence coming to light.
A spokeswoman said: “If anyone has any information, they can get in touch with Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference number 43200430056.”
Work began in 2018 to upgrade the M4 between junction 3 Hayes, and junction 12 Theale to a smart motorway at a cost of £848 million and is due to be completed in 2022.
