Moment two reckless drivers swerve across busy motorway during rush hour in row over lane ‘hogging’

Moment two reckless drivers swerve across busy M1 motorway during rush hour in high-speed road rage row over lane ‘hogging’

  • The road rage row took place near Flitwick, Bedfordshire, in rush hour last month
  • Vladislav Toshev became frustrated at motorist in outside lane driving ‘slowly’
  • Footage shows cars mimicking each other’s moves as he tries to get past Ford   
  • Bedfordshire Police confirmed no investigation into the footage was ongoing 

This is the shocking moment two reckless drivers swerve across a busy M1 motorway during rush hour in a high-speed road rage row over lane ‘hogging’. 

Vladislav Toshev was driving on the M1 near Flitwick, Bedfordshire, during the evening rush hour last month, when he became frustrated that a motorist in the outside lane was driving ‘slowly’. 

Dashcam footage shows the father steadily close the gap with the Ford Focus in front, before impatiently flashing his lights to signal for it to speed up or move into the newly-empty middle lane.

It took place during rush hour in a high-speed road rage row over lane 'hogging'

Footage captures two drivers swerving across the M1 motorway near Flitwick, Bedfordshire, during rush hour in a high-speed road rage row over lane ‘hogging’

Instead, the Ford brakes and forces Mr Toshev to slam on his brakes to avoid going into the back of him. 

Still trying to get around the front car, Mr Toshev moves into the middle lane but was promptly shadowed by the driver ahead of him.

In a dangerous duel, the two cars can be seen mimicking each other’s moves as Mr Toshev tries to get past the Ford, weaving across two lanes seven times as they pass close to a large lorry.

 

In a last ditch attempt at passing, Mr Toshev feigns to move into the outside lane – causing the black vehicle to block again – but he accelerates fiercely instead. 

Dashcam footage shows Vladislav Toshev steadily close the gap with the Ford Focus in front

He became frustrated that a motorist in the outside lane was driving 'slowly'

Dashcam footage shows Vladislav Toshev steadily close the gap with the Ford Focus in front, before flashing his lights to signal for it to speed up or move into the newly-empty middle lane

Instead of speeding up, the Ford brakes and forces Mr Toshev to slam on his brakes. Bedfordshire Police confirmed that no investigation into the footage was ongoing

Instead of speeding up, the Ford brakes and forces Mr Toshev to slam on his brakes. Bedfordshire Police confirmed that no investigation into the footage was ongoing

The two cars were seen mimicking each other's moves as Mr Toshev tries to get past the Ford, weaving across two lanes seven times as they pass close to a large lorry

The two cars were seen mimicking each other’s moves as Mr Toshev tries to get past the Ford, weaving across two lanes seven times as they pass close to a large lorry

Is lane hogging illegal?

Lane hogging and tailgating are classed as careless driving offences.

Drivers could face an on the spot fine of £100 and three penalty points, which can increase to £2,500. 

Highways England says drivers should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road is clear. 

In part 264 of the Highway Code, it states: ‘You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. 

‘If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past. 

‘Slow-moving or speed-restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking.’ 

Footage shows Mr Toshev dart through a slim gap between two other vehicles to undertake the Ford before quickly crossing back into the fast lane across three lanes – now firmly in front of his rival.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed that no investigation into the footage was ongoing.  

Shockingly, the father claims the other motorist chucked objects at his car in frustration after the duel.

When asked if the motorway duel was dangerous to themselves and other road users, Mr Toshev disagreed and boasted that he drives all across Europe without having any accidents.

He said: ‘I have mirrors! I [drive] all across Europe many times without any accidents. It was dangerous to drive behind this idiot.

‘Let’s just say he is [a] stupid driver who [doesn’t] think. If my wife and kids were in the car in that moment? My son is six months old.

‘The motorway was empty [in] front [of] this guy and he drive slowly. I just flashed to him and he pressed the brakes very hard. I pressed my brakes hard as well and the ABS switched on. It was scary.

‘After that I tried to overtake him and he [didn’t] give me a way. You can see from [the] video.

‘When I overtook him he came to my left side and threw some objects at my car. It was dark so I did not see what.’ 

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said: ‘Reckless drivers do not only put themselves at risk, but also other law-abiding road users.  

‘It is important that drivers are reminded of their responsibilities when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.’