Nearly 850,000 drivers have been caught dangerously tailgating on UK roads, according to alarming new figures from National Highways.
The incidents were identified during a series of technology trials using state-of-the-art cameras on major motorways including the M1, M3, M6 and M20.
Tailgating - driving too close to the vehicle in front - has become a growing concern for motorists across Britain.
A new study has revealed that almost a third of UK drivers (28 per cent) report being victims of tailgating at least once a week.
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Thousands of drivers have been caught tailgating by high-tech cameras
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Half of those surveyed believe the problem has worsened over the past two years, while one in six drivers admitted they had been personally targeted by police for their own tailgating behaviour.
Experts are now calling for further clampdowns on this dangerous driving practice, since tailgaiting was found to be the second worst trigger (35 per cent) for road rage.
Only "being cut up" ranked higher as a cause of driver anger, mentioned by 39 per cent of those surveyed.
While only five per cent of drivers report experiencing tailgating daily, a further 12 per cent endure it several times each week.
The problem appears to be escalating, with nearly half of all motorists surveyed believing tailgating has increased compared to two years ago.
Since 2017, National Highways has been testing cameras specifically designed to catch tailgating drivers.
During these trials, police were not involved, and no enforcement action was taken. However, offenders identified by the cameras were liable to receive warning letters in the post.
The trials were conducted to test "the capability of the technology to detect tailgating behaviour" across several major motorways.
With the significant number of incidents detected, there are growing calls for the permanent implementation of this technology.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: "Our research sheds new light on the scourge of tailgating, and particularly how it is perceived by UK motorists.
"With tailgating a factor in so many accidents, and under the sheer volume of incidents identified by National Highways, a full roll-out of cameras designed to detect - and prosecute - those who get too close to the car in front would surely be welcomed by many motorists here in the UK."
The findings suggest that stronger enforcement measures could receive wider public support. National Highways' camera technology could potentially be expanded beyond trials to address this dangerous driving behaviour.
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VISION ZERO SOUTH WESTNational Highways reports that tailgating is a factor in one in eight crashes on England's motorways and major A roads.
It constitutes a form of "careless driving" under UK law, carrying penalties of a £100 fine and three points on a driving licence.
More serious cases involving accidents can result in court appearances, potential driving bans or even prison sentences.
