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What should we do if we break down in the live lane of a Smart motorway?
What should we do if we break down in the live lane of a Smart motorway? Should we ring 999, for example?
Asked on 3 February 2020 by Ray Keating
Answered by
Dan Powell
If you experience a problem on a Smart Motorway then you should try and exit the motorway at the next available junction or motorway services. If this isn’t possible, pull over and stop at one of the emergency lay-bys, which are marked with blue signs featuring an orange SOS telephone symbol.
If you experience a sudden mechanical breakdown and cannot get to an emergency lay-by, switch on your hazard warning lights and try to steer the vehicle towards the left hand side of the road and onto the grass verge. When the vehicle stops on the verge, leave the hazard lights on and (when safe to do so) instruct everyone to exit the vehicle via the nearside (left hand side) doors and wait behind the safety barrier. You should then call Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
If it’s not possible to exit your vehicle safely or you feel your life is in danger, put your hazard warning lights on, stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on and dial 999.
If you experience a sudden mechanical breakdown and cannot get to an emergency lay-by, switch on your hazard warning lights and try to steer the vehicle towards the left hand side of the road and onto the grass verge. When the vehicle stops on the verge, leave the hazard lights on and (when safe to do so) instruct everyone to exit the vehicle via the nearside (left hand side) doors and wait behind the safety barrier. You should then call Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
If it’s not possible to exit your vehicle safely or you feel your life is in danger, put your hazard warning lights on, stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on and dial 999.
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