Are You The Person That Knows The Left Lane Will End but Still Stay on It on Purpose to Jump The Queue?

chengjianer on 26/03/2021 - 19:17
Last edited 29/03/2021 - 19:20 by 1 other user

Are you the person that knows the left lane will end but still stay on it on purpose to jump the queue in the traffic? Especially at the traffic light with those left lane ends in 100 metres?

added ↓↓↓

i had a browse of the comments, it's quite interesting.

let me explain a bit more in details, and give my opinion on this:

in heavy bumper to bumper traffic, cars are basically crawling, the middle lane and soon to be left lane traffic is doing 10km/h, that is good, because at least the traffic is moving, but because of the left lane cars keep merging right, the middle lane needs to slow down to maybe 5km/h, again, that's ok because the traffic is still flowing. i believe that's called zipper merge which i just learned today, that happens in a very ideal world = no traffic lights + all drivers on the road are fantastic, e.g. no tailgaters, 3 seconds or more gaps between cars which means every car does not even need to brake when the other lane traffic merge etc..

my scenario is more like this:

most of time heavy traffic occurs because of traffic lights, take that above example again, i am in the middle lane, doing 10km/h, and at that speed, i could pass 3 traffic lights, but because of the merging traffic, i could only pass 1 or 2 definitely less than 3, while the other drivers that using the left lane could pass all 3 or 2 lights, more than me, so is that queue jumping?

edit
wow, so many comments here haha! ok i am wrong about this queue jumping thought based on the poll, but i don't know it just gives me this impression, and i guess i am not alone. but please let's do this "zipper merge" properly guys. and everyone goes to the left lane from tomorrow so i could use the right lane :)

the forum editor please close this poll

Poll Options

  • 419
    yes
  • 297
    no
Automotive

Comments

    • robberbutton on 27/03/2021 - 19:14

      Judging by the street-view images, it looks like the lane used to end shortly after the dotted lines commence. Seems they extended the lane but kept the dotted lines going - very poor form from the linemarkers.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/03/2021 - 01:32

    To answer your question OP , because i have a sports car with quick acceleration and even quicker braking capability i make use of it , if i know i can easily out accelerate someone at the lights and pop in front of them whilst doing so safely and not over the speed limit without hitting any parked cars then yes. if i know the car next to me will most likely put me in a situation where i am likely to "JUST" make it.. then its not worth the risk and i gently ease my way back into traffic whilst indicating to do so.

    I am not a straight line hero and i don't intentionally race other drivers on the road but if i have the option to get in front with full capability then i don't see any issue in that , likewise if i was having a chill day and someone on my left wanted to go for it …all the best to them , just let people go and continue your journey safely.

    • MontyMacaw on 27/03/2021 - 09:06
      +1

      Video game playing king right here.

    • eek on 27/03/2021 - 23:52

      A dual motor performance Tesla would be perfect for this. Traffic light grand prix to 60km/h!

    • ConsumerAffairs on 29/03/2021 - 12:12

      Off like a rocket

  • yogihogi on 27/03/2021 - 06:15

    I merge like I’m driving a tank! Never had an accident. Always give a wave

  • Euphemistic on 27/03/2021 - 06:21
    +6

    Quite often - but not to queue jump. Usually so I can keep moving. It’s more fuel efficient. Normally stay in the left lane when there is a reasonable queue in the right then pick a point to merge like a zipper. It helps traffic get through the intersection faster.

    I use my judgement wether I’ll be able to merge easily and don’t do it if the traffic is already flowing well.

    Occasionally someone will take offence and make an effort to block me, just pick another gap. Take extra delight if there is a gap further in front of them.

  • trankillity on 27/03/2021 - 07:55
    +7

    Depends on how busy it is. Nothing worse than people being curteous and leaving the left lane empty if traffic is backed up. The merging lanes are there for a reason.

  • themadman on 27/03/2021 - 08:49
    +4

    I think I'm a little in both camps? There is a set of lights near my place where there's a third lane on the left which merges just after the lights. I always use this lane as it's empty, and as people are saying relieves traffic flow by letting more people through the lights.

    In situations where traffic is bumper to bumper on a highway because of an accident etc, the logic of "zipper" flow is flawed if nobody is moving. It's a regular queue, just like for a checkout in the shops. For you to zip along and then merge doesn't in any way improve the flow, because you're actually causing everyone in the other lane to put on their brakes to let you in (traffic shockwave). You could argue that the driver who brakes is at fault because they don't need to, but does that really change the inevitable fact that it is impossible to avoid that kind of shockwave effect? If the traffic is moving slowly, then you're right, zipper flow is ideal. But it seems stupid to try and simplify it to that extent in every scenario.

    Then there's the evil people who will zip along in the main flow and try to jump into a turning lane by forcing their way in right at the front and blocking the main road. Hardly could call that the right thing to do, and it makes me angry every time I see it. Hard to know if it's just some poor fool who didn't realise he had to get across until it's too late though aha.

    Basically, it really depends on circumstances imo.

  • BargainWizard on 27/03/2021 - 08:51

    i sometimes get in the left lane at the lights just up the road knowing that there are parked cars just a little further up because the lights change to red very quick but i wait until all the cars in the right lane have passed by and the road is clear before i move into the right lane i dont try to push in and beat the que i am just happy that i got through the lights and dont have to wait again

  • MontyMacaw on 27/03/2021 - 09:04
    +3

    Oh stop! This is a whinge not a question. Traffic is given the merge like a zip option because it is more efficient. The ones who change lanes too early are counter productive. You wouldn’t last two intersections or an underpass in India.

    And it’s STILL road rage week on Ozbargain 🙄

  • Slinky0111 on 27/03/2021 - 09:14
    +3

    Yes, because I ride a motorcycle and have very little impact on the flow of traffic. Merge across then usually lane filter

  • conza on 27/03/2021 - 09:21

    So I don't mostly, on occasion if I were already in the left lane and I notice it, I'll merge in later toward the finish to use more of the road, I don't think I gain any advantage from it though.

    How it should work is everyone continues on until the merge point, then zippers together.

    The first car in the right lane, is given way to by the first car on their left, so the second car on the right let's the first left car in, and the cycle continues harmoniously.

    The problem is when cars on the left attempt to take advantage of this second car by squeezing in, I ususally slow right down letting in the 1 car that has just given way to the car in front of me to let them in, then I proceed without caring about other cars as they must give way to me.

    It's actually a back and forth of 1 each, it just starts on the right, and I don't think many people understand this well enough, so I attempt to get to the right lane in advance to avoid dealing with idiots. My car's paint is more valuable to me than teaching someone a lesson with my insurance company and dash cams.

  • gth on 27/03/2021 - 09:54
    +2

    So the question is using the left-most lane to 'jump the queue' not 'zipper merge like everyone else'. If lane 1 is ending, it's natural to expect lane 2 to let folks in and we all just 'get along'. But if folks are abusing an empty, terminating lane to get ahead of folks who are patiently waiting, isn't that the opposite of efficient throughput? Lane 2 now needs to wait longer, because folks who were behind them are skirting around the delay and merging in front.

    I like to re-synchronise the left lane usage by moving from lane 2 into lane 1, then paralelling the same place I was. I eventually merge back into lane 2 right back behind the same car I was in before, but now the left lane is merging zipper-style and we can all just move forward together at the same, safe pace.

    • ESEMCE on 29/03/2021 - 09:49
      +2

      This logic falls over though.
      If everyone merges early, then there is a queue of traffic driving at 25km/h for 1km, instead of 2 lanes at 25 only 500m long.
      It's slower for everyone to merge early.

  • TheOtherLeft on 27/03/2021 - 11:17
    +3

    I do it. I think if there's a lane there then it should be used.

    I consider queue jumping are those who drive beyond the end of the lane, crossing the unbroken lines and are actually driving illegally on the shoulder.

  • Neoika on 27/03/2021 - 12:49
    +1

    If more ppl are doing it, it is time to widen the road by one more lane.

  • morse on 27/03/2021 - 12:53
    +4

    The lane is there to be used, it’s part of how the road is designed, why not use it?

    It might be freeing up traffic elsewhere up line by using all available lanes.

  • Ughhh on 27/03/2021 - 13:10
    +3

    Depends.
    A lot of the times, there are people who take forever to accelerate, take their time to respond to the green lights, so only a few cars can cross (selfish imo). Or they're the type who would leave a 10 car space gap, so I just jump into that gap since they were being so nice in leaving space for me.

  • John Kimble on 27/03/2021 - 13:34
    +2

    What about the people who use the left turn only into Balmain Rd on the City West link as their own personal lane and then block traffic that genuinely want to turn left so they can merge into the middle lane to head straight?

    • kerfuffle on 27/03/2021 - 17:35

      These people suck; I never let them in if I can help it.

  • SlickMick on 27/03/2021 - 14:03
    +3

    Definitely.

    Also get in the left lane on 2 lane roundabouts despite knowing it merges back to one lane directly afterwards.(Have you seen how slow some people are at roundabouts? They seem to thing there is a stop sign.) This has the added benefit of avoiding the idiots that enter the roadabout because the left lane is free, and don't give way to the right lane exiting.

    In your scenario, I can sit with the lemmings and miss the light, or I can get through the lights and merge on the other side.
    Disclaimer: I know how to merge. Please don't do this if you're going to get to the other side and not merge back in.

    I used to feel it's not fair: what about all them lemmings sittng there waiting for the red light. It was my wife who I observed driving for what worked for her. We don't have to align ourselves with the lowest common denominator. I've seen others in our regular peak hour now following suit. We're slowly training fellow drivers to be more assertive, competent drivers. It's good for everyone.

  • boxtrot19 on 27/03/2021 - 14:43
    -2

    Its seriously poor road etiquette of course and not without dangers. The real issue is, and I'll be brief, is that there are definite deteriorations out on the roads, some of which are staggeringly stupid and high risk bullshit manoeuvres at best. One could try and allocate blame to Covid, rainy days, where, for reasons who knows why, people behave as of they're on heavy doses of barbiturates….many don't adjust speed to conditions, others simply far too inattentive to have ever been issued with a licence.
    I know, for sure, having driven in many countries where the driving is known to be atrocious, that we aren't as bad here, but we're on the way to some being in such a hurry at all times, whilst clearly having inadequacies in their abilities.
    Hardly brief, my apologies, but its such a massive issue every single time on the roads today. The folks that use bad practice whilst driving, please, sort yourselves out and show a lot less selfishness and some common decency, regardless of poor behaviour surrounding you.

  • vi9ilante on 27/03/2021 - 15:53

    I believe most people are unwilling to let the other lane merge is because we've all been in the situation where we let someone in (even though we have right of way) and they don't thank/acknowledge you.

    Sometimes I inevitably find myself in that left lane finishing up i.e. right turn from Falcon Street into Warringah Freeway Southbound to go Harbour Tunnel. But I always wind down my window and stick my hand first to thank them. Works 100% of the time and I've never had anyone try to block me.

  • D3HUN on 27/03/2021 - 16:23
    +8

    In theory the best to use both lanes all the way then zip in at the very end of the lane that ends. That would help to remove congestion from further back, potentially remove the flow-on effect and reducing congestion.

    That is the theory. In practice, people are
    1.) don't go in the left lane as they don't want to be seen as queue jumpers
    2.) merging before the end of the left lane (as they don't want to be seen as queue jumpers) - basically slowing down the "right" lane (as then more people will merge in from the left than they would in the "null hypothesis". And by doing this, they open up the left lane to the real queue jumpers

    So everybody either use the both lanes all the way and zip, or don't use the left lane but then don't let anyone in from the left.

    Now that would need a really strong hive mentality, so worried it is not going to happen. ;(

    Queue jumpers win (just like everywhere else in life).

    ps.: fck me, just saw this link after writing my little essay. Sums it up really well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX0I8OdK7Tk

    • rendezvous on 27/03/2021 - 18:56
      +1

      "It's called "taking turns" and we all should have learned it in kindergarten"

      • siresteelhell on 28/03/2021 - 02:11

        This is the age where the "Me generation" is driving….

  • leiiv on 27/03/2021 - 16:39

    A lot of people always assume that they are regulars who always pass through the road hence they are queue jumpers. But some of the so called "queue jumpers" were in that lane because they are not the "regulars" and did not realise that the lane was ending until after it was too late. It is just a bad road design but super common.
    Now, how do we tell the difference? We can't.
    The problem is, why do we need those short ended lanes in the first place?

  • CocaKoala on 27/03/2021 - 16:55
    +3

    I absolutely can't believe the sheer number of clueless no voters in here.

    I use it where I could because that's how the roads are designed to reduce congestion. People who don't know this should really read up on how zip merging works.

    • No ONE on 27/03/2021 - 22:36
      -5

      No, you are suppose to do a smooth merge as soon as the break line starts and slowly move as soon as opportunity presents so you don't have to stop in the end of lane begging for give way. That causes more traffic because the other lan will literally have to make a stop to give you way.

      The remaining path of the lane is designed for the smooth transition to the next lane.

      • CocaKoala on 28/03/2021 - 01:42

        I didn't really say you had to stop anywhere.

        Merging smoothly means you actually use the left lane (otherwise there's no need to merge)! That is what I'm advocating for, so I'm not sure what exactly is your disagreement.

        Here's a video of zip merge, which is possible only if both lanes are used.

        https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cX0I8OdK7Tk

  • mrvaluepack on 27/03/2021 - 17:32
    +5

    Its meant to be used to reduce congestion and build up of traffic.

  • neonlight on 27/03/2021 - 18:08

    I normally don't if I know the road. But I don't drive much these days so I do stay left unknowingly need to merge

  • Franconian on 27/03/2021 - 18:30
    +1

    In a perfect world you are supposed to use all lanes and the ending lane cars are doing the "zip method", i. e. 1 car left, one right etc. This would cause much less congestion than everybody merging far ahead.

  • greater mimic on 27/03/2021 - 18:49
    +2

    I use it and inevitably end up queue jumping because no one else is in front of me and I'm maintaining a steady speed. Everyone else has merged further back for some reason, I have no idea why. Further down I do try to match the slower speed of the other lane and merge in but I try to do it as seamless as possible.

    But if I'm already in the crowded lane moving along I'm not going to hop into the empty lane to get ahead

  • OzzyOzbourne on 27/03/2021 - 18:51

    There wouldn't be so many queues and lanes splitting into 3 or 4 lanes at the lights and then merging back to 2 if the lights were timed better and allowed people to turn left and right by…. Errr… I dunno… Let's say looking! It's because the lights are on red for so long and all are so poorly timed so as to impede traffic flow, that such huge queues form and we constantly need to split and merge lanes.

    Anyway, to answer your question, normally I wouldn't, but seeing as though half of people do (according to experience and the poll)… When in Rome….

  • Leeroy Jenkins on 27/03/2021 - 19:23
    +4

    If someone close to me (either in front or behind me) intentionally goes to the left lane that's about to end to overtake, if they happen to want to push in front of me, I NEVER let them in. Seriously (profanity) these guys. I even horn them sometimes if they insist on pushing in.

    • ribze1 on 27/03/2021 - 20:41
      +3

      Kills me when people let them in, let them suffer.

  • ribze1 on 27/03/2021 - 20:41

    Hate this!

    • snackerjoe on 28/03/2021 - 10:03

      So you believe it's better to let less vehicles through a set of lights and jam up traffic waiting for the next change rather than maximize flowing traffic? Because that's the purpose of the left lane that ends in 100m after the lights, allows double the traffic through rather than queueing everyone up in a single lane at the lights.

  • berger on 27/03/2021 - 21:31
    -1

    My pet peeve is slow drivers in the left lane… or that moron that is one car length behind at the lights, then shift to the left lane as I approach.

    I use the left lane a lot, I commute to the city daily along the princes hwy in Melbourne and so many casual slow drivers… Also vans and trucks decide the left lane at lights is a good idea too is annoying.

    And Camry drivers… arghh

  • skillet on 27/03/2021 - 21:57
    -1

    If you are not Russian don't drive like this in Australia.

  • No ONE on 27/03/2021 - 22:30
    -2

    On contrary, I deliberately don't give way to those as**oles.

    • Ny-ax on 28/03/2021 - 23:52
      -2

      Shame in most cases, road rules state you have to

      • gutwagon on 29/03/2021 - 11:55

        If two lanes are merging to one the car in front goes first. If the inside lane is blocked then the car changing lanes must give way . The second situation is the one we are complaining about. Most of the lane jumpers think they have right of way ! Well that's the Victorian rules .

  • eek on 27/03/2021 - 23:54
    -1

    I installed air horns on my commuter car because of this - people who dart in from the left lane even though there isn't enough space.

  • ceroau on 28/03/2021 - 00:28
    +6

    As others have stated, It’s not queue jumping Especially based on your scenario mentioned in your edit. The fact you see and others sees as queue jumping generate problem, which only makes peak hour traffic worse. Traffic isn’t a line up in a shop no one is cutting infront by being ahead of you after being behind you. the key to easy congestion is maximising traffic flow hence the existence of those additional lanes by not utilising them you and the drivers who insist on sticking to the two lanes are increasing congestion and hindering other drives, someone taking corrective action by moving to those lanes is only remedying the problem. If a car behind you has the space to move 10 cars infront of you that because there was atleast 5 of you infront of them originally who failed to be aware of your surroundings and do the right thing to help keep congestion to a minimum. Using your scenario as an example say there a 3 lights at the first light the road turns into 3 lanes and just after the last light it merged back into two.. Let’s saying you’re moving along in traffic at 10k’s and you’re up to the last light where you’re now forced to go 5’s so others can merge back into the two lane. you may think you’ve being slowed down by that third lane but the reality is the only reason you’re at that third light and the only reason you got to do 10k’s from first light to third is because of that additional lane and if it wasn’t for those “queue jumpers”’you’d still be stuck at light two or even one because before you felt slighted by the driver behind you being efficient. 100’s of other drivers utilised the additional space prior to you arriving at this point thereby easing congestion to allow you to be where you are. In short make use of all lanes folks especially during peak hour traffic

  • OldBugger on 28/03/2021 - 00:33
    +3

    I believe in the zipper method but as one commenter stated, it only takes one moron to not let someone in and it all goes to sh*t. And there are plenty of those.

    So I do see why people merge early but it's not just as simple as that, the first person merges when they see a spot available. Which is fair enough. But then the rest feel like they need to merge at that area too, even though there is no spot available.

    We really need a sign stating, "MERGE HERE!"

    And one 50m back stating, "NOT HERE, MORON!"

  • JackFrost on 28/03/2021 - 01:18
    +3

    Use both lanes, it’s how it’s designed to be used and it stops further traffic congestion building up further behind. What boggles the mind is the pricks that think it’s their right to block the other lane believing they are in the right stopping traffic flow…if vehicles used both lanes til until the merge point there wouldn’t be any “queue pushing”

  • Birdseye on 28/03/2021 - 09:12

    If the left land ends with a merge to the right, then yes. If the left lane becomes a left hand turn only lane, then no.

    • snackerjoe on 28/03/2021 - 10:15

      If the left lane becomes a left hand turn only lane, then no.

      Only excusable if the person didn't realise it was a turn only lane and makes an effort to get out of it as soon as it becomes apparent. Happens to me occasionally, most recently at Parramatta Road at the right turn only lane into West Street Liechhardt.

      • crawfs on 29/03/2021 - 11:52

        Even in that case, just follow the left turn and backtrack when it's safe to do so, rather than potentially cutting off traffic and causing an accident.

        • snackerjoe on 29/03/2021 - 16:39

          Yeah I checked for traffic on the left and indicated to see if anyone would let me through and gave a wave after they did, if the traffic was jammed up I would have just gone through the turn.

  • jonagrah on 28/03/2021 - 09:44
    +5

    I love a good zipper merge. I'll pull into the left lane at the lights if the middle lane is backed up. It helps get more cars through the intersection and helps with traffic. Cars in the right lane who think it's their god-given duty to block the cars in the left from being able to merge are the real retards.

  • Piranha2004 on 28/03/2021 - 09:45

    Depends if Im in a rush or trying to pass larger vehicles like trucks.

    Also will reluctantly let in drivers if zipper merge. Will try to make it difficult if standard merge and I can se eif they fanged it from miles back.

  • Brick Tamland on 28/03/2021 - 10:00

    For me it depends. I know my local commute pretty well and if looks like I won't make the green cycle I will use that left lane that ends after the lights. If people are respectful and not using to aggressively push in then I think its ok.

  • mshanann on 28/03/2021 - 10:10

    With taxi licenses continually falling in value, an old taxi and associated license could come in handy for general commuting purposes. People are much more likely in this left-lane merge scenario to let a taxi in. Likewise the ability to use certain commuter and bus lanes. Then there is the ability to make a few bucks on the side and depreciate the vehicle and tax deduct the vehicle servicing and consumables like tyres.

  • Livert on 28/03/2021 - 10:20
    +1

    The left lane is there for a reason.

    • gutwagon on 28/03/2021 - 16:23
      -5

      But you know it will be blocked with parked cars and you will have to constantly change lanes, just don't expect me to let you in.

  • PAOK11 on 28/03/2021 - 10:28

    I didn't know. The left lane goes forever

  • stumo on 28/03/2021 - 10:37

    Yeah thats me. But hear me out.

    I do it but towards the "end" of my lane, say 100m or so, I drive at the same speed as the vehicles in the main lane, ie crawling. Before that I still go pretty slowly otherwise its dangerous.

    I get a lot of knobs built up close behind me trying to do what you said, but they cant because I'm slowing them down and eventually crawling. Then at the end everyone merges like a zip.

    When I do this, I find that the main lane and my lane are actually able to move at a slow constant speed, rather than stop start.

    Its the knobs trying to overtake as many as possible AND the knobs trying to prevent people from merging that are the problem. My way I stop both of those knobs fighting each other and then everyone gets to flow through at a decent speed.

    You should try my way next time.

  • arcticjuggernaut on 28/03/2021 - 11:55
    +2

    It's a dick move, especially when asshats use the lane that's for turning at lights also. You end up blocking traffic with a green arrow because you want to push ahead of people.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/03/2021 - 12:19
    +1

    I do it only when I know i can merge without others having to slow down. Especially when I'm first, I easily overtake the first car. I get so annoyed when I'm second or third and the car infront is super slow and forces those in the next lane to slow down to let them in. If you're one of those people, don't use the lane. I don't do it when there's too much traffic and doing it will probably slow the lane or if I go in and it blocks those who want to turn left.

  • Tiredman on 28/03/2021 - 13:25

    Sometimes i do i sometimes i don't. Doesn't bother me if someone does it. More important things to worry about.

    • tonyjzx on 28/03/2021 - 14:25

      This. A case of you snooze, you lose.

      I will happily let someone in if they do with with authority and not dawdle around messing up everyones' "timing".

      Do it or dont do it. There's no try.

  • gromit on 28/03/2021 - 13:40

    I stay in whichever lane is faster until I should be merging. It doesn't matter that I know it will merge further ahead, the road is there to be used not to be left as a parking lane.

  • UFO on 28/03/2021 - 13:51
    -2

    I'm the pace car that will happily block your selfishness, changing into the left lane and keep perfect pace with the car next to me- who will then happily let me back in again with a knowing nod.

    You can beep, you can tail gate, you can rant, you can rave…. I don't give a toss.

    Just like it's not 'illegal' for you to cut all the way up the left lane and push in (making the journey even slower for those already in front of you in the queue), its also not illegal for me to "drive to the conditions" and be nice and slow.

    Your tears and your anger feed my desire, and my dashcam footage :).

    • Hangryuman on 29/03/2021 - 09:54

      a right-fighter I see - an ex-Trump supporter perchance ?

      'will happily block your selfishness, changing into the left lane and keep perfect pace with the car next to me- who will then happily let me back in again with a knowing nod'

      hmm - so the car beside you will happily slow to let you in - in front of them ?

      I don't recall seeing that lately - you must have special charisma (or imagination) there

      'its also not illegal for me to "drive to the conditions" and be nice and slow'

      you may risk this fine in NSW tho - 'Rule 125 (1) Unreasonably obstruct driver/pedestrian 4 $272' - https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/deme…

      e.g. 'A driver driving at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour on a length of road to which a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour applies when there is no reason for the driver to drive at that speed on the length of road.' -
      https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/c…

      so yes - it may be illegal for you to unreasonably block an empty lane - there's $272 for you to think about …

  • Powlie85 on 28/03/2021 - 13:53
    +1

    https://g.co/kgs/K2KDJD

    • gutwagon on 28/03/2021 - 16:20

      In the picture it is fine to use both lanes, the problem is when parked cars are blocking the inside lane and the car that is changing lanes must give way to the car in the outside lane. Drivers know the inside lane is blocked on the other side of the intersection but still go up there and try to push in when they get to the parked car. It's just queue jumping and arrogant. The solution is to not let them in, make them wait until the outside lane is clear.
      This is a big problem in Burke Road Kew and most of Burke Road. It sh*ts me.

      • Powlie85 on 28/03/2021 - 20:17
        +1

        Ah right! I think I get now what you mean. What really annoys me is that many drivers forget their indicators. You're in the right lane wanting to go straight and two cars in front of you seem to be going straight. As soon as the lights go green, they flick their indicators in and you're stuck there.

        • gutwagon on 29/03/2021 - 11:58

          This is another problem that is also annoying, I blast the horn at these idiots. Also get people that go up the right or left turn only lane and then want to go straight !

  • Bid Sniper on 28/03/2021 - 16:02
    -1

    No dont own a BMW

  • Bargainbattles on 28/03/2021 - 16:14

    Build more lane roads
    Some of the new roads that have been built recently don't have enough lanes
    Seriously they build a road and there is enough room to put more lanes but no they decide just to add one lane
    You do a job you do it right the first time
    Some how we need to encourage more Motorcycles on the road like other countries with a big populations
    Sydney's already finished with traffic congestion
    Add another million people we can only imagine how bad it will be

  • Flying Ace on 28/03/2021 - 16:33
    +1

    The lane is there to be used. If everyone else wants to go into one lane hundreds of metres before the end of the lane, that’s up to them.

    I always go as far up as I can in the left lane - it’s an empty lane there to be used.

  • LikeClockwork on 28/03/2021 - 16:37
    -1

    P plates = rarely get let in.

    I've just adapted to this and drive so I rarely end up in ending lanes.

  • Nanokillaz on 28/03/2021 - 16:41

    Happens all the time on lane cove Road near top ryde Sydney and those selfish drivers drives me nuts

    • dcash on 28/03/2021 - 19:57
      +2

      If you mean Devlin Street heading North, I was going to mention the same spot. Idiots will keep driving well past the end of the merging lane (well and truly past the overpass) and just push their way in at the last possible moment. The left lane in this case should be used for people turning onto Victoria Road, and the only time the merging lane need to be used is if you were accidently in the wrong lane because you weren't familiar with the road. If everybody jammed into the left lane it would only serve to block traffic trying to exit onto Victoria Road.

  • johnmelb on 28/03/2021 - 17:48
    +2

    Are You The Person That Knows The Left Lane Will End but Still Stay on It on Purpose to Jump The Queue?

    Yes.

    I'm not responding to the poll, because in my view the question is wrong. Purpose is not jumping the queue, purpose of using all lanes is to make traffic smoother. If the lane has no use, then they wouldn't have built it.

    I use all lanes because it makes traffic smoother. The problem is the people that knowingly don't use all lanes, and then block others from merging into that lane.
    Very often when travelling longer distances, I see 1-2 most left lanes unused on a 5+ lane road. People queuing for 2 or 3 red lights, when they could have crossed (and sometimes no traffic jam beyond the lights). I always think some people must really love queuing (or just annoying others).

    And if you don't use the left lane, fine. But don't prevent others from driving how it should be (and merging), or you're contributing to the problem twice!

  • Zawoooo on 28/03/2021 - 19:48

    If everyone merged at the correct time and lanes were split 50/50 and the merge was an even zipper effect it would make no difference what lane you were in. Because people do no merge properly id rather be in the left lane than get ripped off in the right lane. Many lights have left lanes that end soon after to get maximum flow through the traffic lights aswell

  • Homr on 28/03/2021 - 21:45
    +1

    I queue jump on the highway when the exit is banked up, saves me 10-15min everyday.

    There's always someone on the phone that is slow to react when the cars infront start moving which leaves a huge gap and you just slot right in

  • knk on 28/03/2021 - 23:47
    -1

    I'm the guy that everyone thinks is doing that, but in reality I (profanity) up and got in the wrong lane.

  • Ny-ax on 29/03/2021 - 00:03
    +3

    The lane is there for a reason, not to queue jump, but to decrease backlog further back. I'd love to hit half the people in this thread for failing to give way just to increase their insurance premiums.

  • Herbse on 29/03/2021 - 08:21

    I hate doing it, but I hate when others do it more.

    So I look behind me and if there's no cars approaching I'll move to the other lane behind other cars.
    If there's a few cars approaching, they'll definitely take the left lane and shit me, then I'll take the left lane and go ahead of everyone else.

  • Hangryuman on 29/03/2021 - 09:35
    +2

    sure - I do this all the time

    maybe not your exact crawling at 10kph scenario, but my observations are red lights changing to green

    where there is a queue of cars at the red light and an empty lane beside (maybe an optional left-turn lane)

    unless a car behind follows very aggressively to tailgate the car in front of it to block/prevent a zipper merge

    the typical gap between cars starting from move off from stationary is 2 seconds

    and a large gap tends to appear between cars as they progressively move off at the green light

    so where I see a queue of cars at a red light and an empty lane beside it

    I'll typically sail up the empty lane, slowing to gauge and wait for my moment when the light changes to green

    and the wide gap appears for me to zipper merge into without causing ANY delay to the car that was 2 seconds behind

    even in the case of above tailgater who surges forward to block my zipper-merge, guess what happens ?

    by accelerating forward to close the gap in front of them, this typically creates a bigger 3 second gap behind them

    making it even easier for me to zipper merge just behind them

    from where I can usually enjoy watching their head explode with rage … omigord other people are terrible aren't theys …

    • Naigrabzo on 29/03/2021 - 10:31

      Nice technique man.

  • schwinn on 29/03/2021 - 09:58

    In the case of construction/lane closure: ZIPPER MERGE WHEN THE LANE ENDS. FORMING 1 LANE TOO SOON SLOWS EVERYONE DOWN.

    Everyone is so fussed about etiquette they don't consider the overall speed of traffic.

    To prove the point, just extrapolate to the extreme. Consider a 50m single lane speed limited to 25km/h. Better for everyone to drive at 60, merge at the lane closure. Imagine if people decided to 'be courteous' and merge up to 2km earlier. That effectively turns a 2 lane street into a 1 lane street unnecessarily.

  • Herbse on 29/03/2021 - 10:10

    It's funny because people who wants to speed or "do the limit" yell at everyone else to stick to the left. Except at the lights when the left lane is the designated drag lane.

  • jk0720 on 29/03/2021 - 10:15

    IS the poll question the first line question, or now the last line question? lol. It IS queue jumping, but it IS better for congestion.

  • MementoMori on 29/03/2021 - 10:17

    Don't forget in many cases there are people who are not familiar with an area and do this accidentally

    (not to encourage this savage behaviour)

  • Naigrabzo on 29/03/2021 - 10:31

    I just let these people go. I still see them at the next traffic light. They burn through their brakes and other parts faster. Drive smooth dudes.

  • tooblue on 29/03/2021 - 11:55

    You do realise MS Paint diagram is mandatory for such posts?

  • jv on 29/03/2021 - 13:51
    +2

    to Jump The Queue?

    Why is it jumping the queue?

  • jv on 29/03/2021 - 13:53
    +1

    but because of the left lane cars keep merging right

    They need to do that eventually if there are two lanes going to one.
    It doesn't matter when they do it, the total number of cars does not change.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 29/03/2021 - 14:02

    Sure do………Because I ride a motorbike and my impact on traffic is minimal.

    If you're in a car and you do this, you're a bit of a twat. You don't end up saving any time.

    My favorite is when I'm just cruising along in the same lane and I see a car constantly changing lanes trying to get ahead, but then I keep catching up to them at the lights LOL

  • itsme56 on 29/03/2021 - 15:15
    +1

    Well thats what it was designed for?! How is this even a question.

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