What Is Rat Running And Why Is It So Controversial?
Rat running is the increasingly popular way of tackling rising congestion on Britain’s roads; especially during the Christmas holidays. But what is it and should we be doing it?
What Is Rat Running?
You’ve probably never heard of rat running but, the chances are, you’ve participated in it. It’s the practice of using side streets or shortcuts to bypass traffic, road works and other obstacles. Generally speaking, drivers use it when they know an area well; giving them a knowledge of local roads and routes that other motorists may not have. It’ll often involve using residential streets as opposed to congested main roads. The more brazen use roads intended for exiting and merging on motorways, simply to get ahead of other vehicles. Others use the method to avoid traffic lights and toll booths. In any case, the purpose is always the same; to get to our destinations faster and to avoid tedious and time-consuming obstructions.
Should We Be Doing It?
If you knew of a quicker route than the one you’re on, why wouldn’t you take it? In most cases, you’d probably be hard-pressed to think of a reason; perhaps barring challenging road conditions, in which case a faster journey might not be worth it. But rat running has caused all sorts of problems in general. Using quiet, residential streets comes with all sorts of risks and consequences. Tight and narrow roads are perfect environments for accidents and collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians. Rat runners also tend to drive at speeds better suited to main roads than quieter ones; only adding to the risks. By-products of the phenomenon include noise and air pollution, negatively impacting on the lives of residents.
Whilst there are a number of problems with rat running, it might not even speed up our journeys. Data from TomTom has shown that it often takes longer to navigate alleged short-cuts. Julien Speed, a spokesman for the company, said “drivers using rat runs may actually be making their journeys slower. The data shows that local roads have twice as much lost travel time (32%) as main roads (15%)”. He added, “many motorists are very proud to tell others about their secret rat-run that helps them avoid the worst of the rush-hour gridlock. But the reality is that it probably takes them longer”.
What’s Being Done About It?
Rat running isn’t illegal, but some authorities are taking steps to eliminate it in particularly bad hotspots. In which case, they often use the likes of speed bumps, road narrowing, chicanes and road markings. Some are marked as ‘access only’, usually meaning only residents or workers are technically allowed to use the road; but this is barely, if ever, enforced. Some countries have attempted to take a firmer approach. For instance, some American States prohibit the use of side roads during commuter hours. How effective these measures are usually depends on how well they’re enforced.
Ultimately, responsible driving should involve responsible rat running. If you know a shortcut and you’re confident of its benefits, you’ll probably use it. However, make sure you drive at speeds suitable for the road. You should be especially cautious on residential streets. In addition, if a number of other drivers have caught on, you should consider whether it really is a quicker route and the impact on residents.
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