The worst motorways you can drive on: The top 10 tailgating hotspots in England revealed

The southbound stretch of the M1 from the A1(M) to junction 47, is the nation’s worst motorway spot for tailgating.

17:26 25 July 2014

A new study has revealed the top 10 tailgating hotspots in England with the southbound stretch of the M1 from the A1(M) to junction 47 claiming the top spot. The northbound carriageway approaching junction 9 and the exit for Saffron Walden are also included in the list.

The top 10 tailgating hotspots in England are:

1. M1, A1(M) to J47 southbound, near Leeds
2. M42, J6 to J7 northbound, near Solihull
3. M1, within J1 northbound, near Brent Cross
4. A1(M), J51 to J50 southbound, near Leeming, North Yorkshire
5. M27, J7 to J5 westbound, near Southampton
6. M42, J6 to J5 southbound, near Solihull
7. M42, J4 to J3A southbound, near Solihull and Redditch
8. M42, J7 to J6 southbound, near the NEC in Birmingham
9. A627(M), between start and J1 northbound, near Oldham and Rochdale
10. M11, within J9 northbound, near Bishop's Stortford and Cambridge

Rob Miles, director of car insurance at Direct Line, said: “All drivers have a responsibility to keep a safe distance between their vehicle and others on the road.

"Tailgating is extremely dangerous and against the law, regardless of whether it’s done intentionally or in ignorance.

"Often people can find themselves too close to other vehicles on motorways as they rush to their destination or try to keep up with traffic flow.

"We’d urge drivers to keep their stopping distances in mind as these are often forgotten in times of haste or frustration.

"Drivers should aim to always have at least a two-second gap – over 60 metres – between themselves and the car in front to keep safe on the motorway and avoid facing the on-the-spot fines for tailgating that were introduced last year.”