What is a running rat and is it illegal?

RAT running is a constant driving complaint by residents in many UK towns – but what is it?

With record fuel prices and rising costs of living, motorists certainly have enough worries.

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However, homeowners and pedestrians in some suburbs have complained about motorists “running like rats” through their quiet streets.

Here’s what you need to know about the controversial method.

What is a running mouse?

Riding is when a driver uses quieter side roads instead of the main road to get from A to B.

It sounds innocuous, but has been blamed for clogging up sleepy suburban neighborhoods at rush hour – and leaving main roads designed for heavy traffic unused.

Common reasons motorists will flee include to avoid queuing at traffic lights or toll booths, or to stay away from roads they perceive to be busy.

Is running rat illegal?

The short answer is no, rat running is not illegal.

You cannot be fined or prosecuted for the choices you make to get to your destination.

But you can’t drive through roads marked “passenger only” – and could be fined if you are caught.

And if you intentionally make loud noises with the engine near your house early in the morning, you can fined for noise pollution.

Will it speed up my journey?

Surprisingly, running the mouse is not a guaranteed way to speed up your rush hour journey.

In fact, it’s more likely to slow you down.

TomTom spokeswoman Julien Speed ​​said: “Drivers using a mouse may actually make their journey slower.”

Its data shows that local roads are twice as likely to lose time for motorists as driving with mice (32%) than those stuck on main roads (15%).

“Many motorists take great pride in telling others how their secret rat run helps them avoid the worst of rush hour traffic jams,” he said.

“But the reality is they probably take longer.”

We heard from a Port Talbot man who lives just below a busy highway but said it was “lovely” and he would never leave.

Drivers should also pay attention ‘camera noise’ could result in a £1,000 fine if your car is too noisy.