Breakdown on motorway

[KittyGlitter]

I'm a bit confused as to the procedure if you break down on a motorway. Are you meant to call the police on the emergency phones situated on the hard shoulder or can you call your own Breakdown Service? The Highway Code suggests the former.

[Ethel]

It is not the police that answer the emergency phone, but the operators do inform the police (or other highway agency these days) and will contact your breakdown company on your behalf.

You should always use the emergency phone as the traffic police do need to be aware of the situation.

You can of course call the breakdown company on your mobile to save time, but should still use the emergency phone.

[Toureman]

The other reason you should use the motorway phone is that the operator will be able to tell your rescue service exactly where you are because of the phone you are using.

After doing that then give a back up call to your recovery company.

[markja]

also get out of your vehicle and away from it. many accidents happen to vehicles on the hard shoulder. remember that as you are stationary any thing hitting you is doing 70mph into you. put your warning triangle out and stay a distance away and to the side. it's better to be a bit cold and wet than squashed!!!!! i carry a blanket & water proof in the boot, they take up no room but could be a godsend if needed.

[Toureman]

It isn't many accidents happen on the hard shoulder, it is most accidents happen on the hard shoulder1