Roads bosses planning a crackdown on tailgating with new cameras that monitor gaps between vehicles

It has long been one of the biggest bugbears for motorists – not to mention one of the most dangerous.

But now roads bosses are planning a crackdown on tailgating with new cameras that monitor gaps between vehicles.

The technology is being trialled on a stretch of motorway in the Midlands, with plans being drawn up for a possible nationwide rollout next year.

Highways England figures obtained by the Daily Mail show the devices have caught more than 26,000 drivers in two months – more than 400 a day.

Roads bosses are planning a crackdown on tailgating with new cameras that monitor gaps between vehicles

The offence can lead to prosecution for driving without due care and attention.

Offenders risk a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points, however, motorists caught by the cameras are only being given warning letters during the trials.

Official figures show more than 100 people are killed or seriously injured each year in accidents where a vehicle has driven too close to the one in front.

The lethal habit is a factor in around one in eight casualties on motorways and a-roads.

Highways England believes only a small minority of tailgating is deliberate, with many drivers simply unaware they are dangerously invading a car’s space.

It could be the case that only repeat offenders are prosecuted by the new cameras. Data from the trials show that of the 26,000 caught between October 5 and December 5, 3,700 were caught tailgating more than once.  

The worst offenders were identified 12 times.

The Highway Code says drivers should allow at least a two-second gap between vehicles, which is doubled on wet roads.

In-car research using dashcams and heart monitors revealed a driver’s typical reaction to being tailgated is surprise, anger and increased heart rate.

Victims can feel pressure to dangerously increase their speed to create more space between them and the offending vehicle.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: ‘When people think of the causes of road accidents, tailgating probably isn’t one of them, but it’s one that can have dangerous repercussions.

‘Highways England’s innovative plans are already showing how serious and reckless this behaviour is, and through this campaign I hope we see tailgating drop, making our roads, already some of the safest in the world, safer still.’

Highways England’s Head of Road Safety Jeremy Philips said: ‘These new cameras have, sadly, highlighted just how many people are driving too close on our roads.

‘We understand that most tailgating is unintentional by drivers who are simply unaware they are dangerously invading someone else’s space. 

‘But not leaving enough space between you and the vehicle in front can be very frightening and intimidating – it could also prove fatal.’