Slow drivers have caused 19 deaths and injured 1,500 people over the last decade, with experts warning their behaviour can be as dangerous as speeding.
The AA says driving too slowly can trigger overtaking, tailgating, undertaking, and road rage - factors that increase the risk of serious crashes.
Department for Transport data shows that, over ten years, 1,568 people were hurt or killed in 1,090 collisions where police identified slow driving as a contributing factor. Of these, 18 crashes killed 19 people, and another 281 left 310 people with severe, often life-changing injuries.
While minimum speed limits are uncommon in the UK, they do exist in certain high-risk areas, such as tunnels. Drivers going too slowly can be penalised for careless driving, usually resulting in a £100 fine and three points on their licence.
James Ruppert, editor of Free Car Mag, said: "Driving is often seen as a right rather than a skill. Drivers should regularly assess their ability on the road. Those with health issues or who lack confidence have options: retire from driving, seek medical advice, or undertake training to improve skills."
In 2022, a driver in his 80s had his licence revoked after being caught driving at 10mph on a main A-road in Wiltshire; he failed an eye test the next day.
In September 2020, Derbyshire police fined a motorist on the M1 for driving too slowly in lane three at 40–50mph, forcing other vehicles to take evasive action. The driver was ticketed for “driving without due care and attention” and was expected to attend an awareness course.
