London and South East Named England’s Worst Region for Driving Manners as Tailgating Rates Soar
New data from National Highways reveals that 41% of drivers in London and the South East admit to tailgating, contributing to over 200 serious collisions in the region last year.
Drivers in London and the South East have been officially rated the worst in England for road etiquette, according to a new “manners map” released by National Highways. The study highlights a growing crisis of patience on the road, with the region seeing 222 fatal or serious injury collisions last year where tailgating was a primary factor.
Despite a national reputation for politeness, the research suggests that British manners often vanish the moment a driver gets behind the wheel. Nationally, nearly five million motorists admit their etiquette slips when they are under pressure, particularly when running late.
The “Manners Map”: How the Regions Rank
National Highways ranked six regions across England based on driver self-reporting, public perception, and safety data. London and the South East finished bottom of the league, with only 40% of local drivers rating road manners in their area as “good.”
In contrast, the South West and East of England shared the top spot for the best road manners, with 46% of drivers in those regions reporting positive etiquette.
The Danger of the “Close Follow”
The most alarming statistic from the report is the prevalence of tailgating. In London and the South East, 41% of drivers admit to following the vehicle in front too closely—the highest rate in the country.
Across England, 2.4 million drivers confessed to tailgating deliberately as a tactic to “push” slower drivers to speed up. Experts warn that this behavior is far from harmless.
“Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down,” says Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways. “Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly, and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed.”
Why Are We Losing Our Cool?
According to the data, the three biggest triggers for poor driving manners are:
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Running late (27%)
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Tiredness (20%)
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Peak-time commuting (16%)
Dr. Neale Kinnear, a behavioral psychologist specializing in driving, explains that the “goal-focused” nature of driving creates a psychological trap. “When we’re running late, closing the gap can feel like taking control or making progress,” says Dr. Kinnear. “The reality is different. Drivers tend to overestimate how much time, if any, they save by pushing on.”
The Consequences: Fines and Points
National Highways is reminding motorists that tailgating is not just rude—it is a criminal offense. Police can issue a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points for “driving without due care and attention” if a driver is caught following too closely.
The Highway Code advises a minimum two-second gap between vehicles on fast-moving roads, a distance that should be doubled in wet or icy conditions.
Stay Safe, Stay Back
As part of their “Too Close for Comfort” campaign, National Highways has released footage showing HGVs and cars braking hard on major motorways like the M5 and M6 due to tailgating.
Drivers are encouraged to check the interactive “manners map” and review safety tips on the National Highways website to help lower the number of avoidable collisions on the UK’s busiest roads.