'Don't push in', funeral director tells drivers

Lewis Northen wants drivers to respect the dead and their loved ones

An undertaker has criticised "impatient" drivers for pushing into funeral processions.

Beverley-based Lewis Northen said he wanted to remind people it is highly disrespectful to push between the hearse and limousines used to carry the deceased's family.

He said funeral cars usually travel at 20mph (32kph) to keep them together, adding that when another vehicle pushes in between "we have to pull over to ensure they get back together".

Appealing directly to drivers, Mr Northen said: "If you see a funeral procession, show it some dignity. We do go slower than the average car, [but] it's someone's final journey."

Funeral processions usually travel at 20mph (32kph) to keep the hearse and cars carrying relatives together

He recalls a recent situation where he had to pull over on a bypass "to get cars to go around us because they had spilt us up that much".

Mr Northen appealed to drivers to show respect.

"We don't have long journeys," he said. "Just give us some extra time to give the deceased and their family that dignity on their final journey."

Spooked horses

Andrew Judd, chief executive of the National Association of Funeral Directors, agreed it was a problem.

He said: "We are seeing more instances where other drivers fail to show respect to funeral corteges, cutting in or overtaking without consideration.

"It's not only upsetting for the family following their loved one, but it can also be dangerous. Horses can be easily spooked, and funeral directors who walk in front of the hearse are put at real risk."

M Judd said a little patience and understanding "makes all the difference" and shows dignity and respect "in a moment that matters deeply to those who are grieving".

He lamented the days when people would stand pause as a hearse passed by.

"The days of doffing a cap sadly seem long gone," he added.