Cheers Timmo..... long time since anybody said I make sense!!!
I'll let you in when your trying to merge any time!
Rich, in light traffic I suppose zip merging happens naturally and nobody takes any notice, however in heavier traffic, where it is still moving, I would suggest that if drivers took this into consideration and merged earlier then the queue might not be quite so long and may even move a little quicker due to the fact that the front of the line of traffic in the lane that is open does not have to slow to allow vehicles in. 800 or so yards down the road, or wherever the first signage is, everybody merge in turn and move along at a steady pace after that.
I will admit though, that due to the sheer volume of traffic on our roads, particularly motorways, this is almost impossible to do.
I will still abuse the drivers who hurtle down the empty lane to the front when the rest of us are doing our bit to be polite!