THIS is the moment an "idiotic" driver caused chaos on a Hampshire dual carriageway by deliberately blocking both lanes.

Huge tailbacks built up on the A31 after the motorist started to overtake a slow-moving lorry - and then refused to complete the manoeuvre.

For several miles the two vehicles travelled side by side at speeds of only 55mph – well below the 70mph limit.

Drivers prevented from overtaking the lorry could only sit and fume as they waited for the other vehicle – a Renault truck – to vacate the outside lane.

The incident, which is being investigated by police, occurred on the eastbound carriageway of the A31 between Ringwood and Cadnam.

Those caught up in the chaos included businessman Henry Jones, whose sister Alice filmed the hold-up as they travelled to WestQuay in Southampton to do their Christmas shopping.

Mr Jones, 25, of Bournemouth, said: “The Renault driver came up alongside the lorry and stayed there for several minutes – even though there was nothing in front of him.

“It was very petulant and dangerous thing to do.

“It did make me feel quite angry. It’s not acceptable behaviour, especially when people are going home for Christmas or trying to get to the shops.

“He was just trying to be difficult - and his actions caused phenomenally long queues.

“I didn’t flash or beep him as I thought he might do something even worse like slam his brakes on.”

Mr Jones said the incident only ended when the A31 became the three-lane M27 and drivers were finally able to overtake the two vehicles that had been blocking their path.

“It must have added at least ten minutes to my journey,” he said. “I rang the police and offered to send them the video taken by my sister.”

Earlier this year, a similar incident was caught on video and saw two cars block the same road while they passed items from one car to another.

Ringwood councillor Michael Thierry added: "This is an example of the sort of idiotic driving that none of us wants to see on our roads.

"It's just the sort of behaviour that can cause a multi-vehicle accident. Drivers get frustrated, which can result in someone doing something stupid."

A police spokesman said: “We are making inquiries to see if any offence has been committed.

“There’s no specific offence of going too slowly but action could be taken if the driver is considered to have caused a hazard to other motorists.”