MOTORISTS who caused lengthy tailbacks by driving at less than half the speed limit on a busy Hampshire dual carriageway “risked the safety” of other road users.

Angry drivers posted footage that shows a what appears to be a Volkswagen Golf and a Renault Trafic van being driven side by side along the A31 towards the M27 at a speed of around 30mph – well below the speed limit of 70mph.

The video shows clear open roads ahead of the two cars who are showed repeatedly applying their brakes to keep their speed down for no apparent reason.

The footage which was filmed by a passenger in one of the cars stuck behind the cars shows scores of cars queuing behind them.

According to the person who posted the video Ian Meldrum, the actions of the driver caused one frustrated motorist to undertake them using a lay-by. He also claims he saw something being passed between the vehicles.

The incident is thought to have happened on Sunday at around 3.15pm. Hampshire police have been made aware of the incident and are looking into the footage.

A spokesman said they had seen the footage and were now appealing to the person who posted it to come forward so that they can progress their inquiries.

Meanwhile motoring organisation the AA has criticised the actions of the drivers who it says risked the safety of other road users.

Head of roads and transport policy Paul Watters said: “This is clearly a matter for the police who I am sure will not hesitate to do something about it if they are able to trace the vehicles involved.

“It appears to be an act of total selfishness which they may have felt was funny but these antics are risking the safety of other road users.

“What they probably haven’t appreciated is that at the back of the queue there could well be an accident as shunts and accidents often happen when there is a breakdown in traffic flow.”