Rules are rules, but occasionally we slip up. Hence, a recent Managed Motorways Awareness Course.
The motorways have changed so much. They continue to change in structure, signage, rules, regulations – so much and so dangerous if we don’t change with them.
The course on behalf of the Highways Agency was little short of excellent. Almost a revelation. This was good and bad news in itself. Surely it shouldn’t have been a revelation. Surely I should have known the rules. But how?
These are some of the highlights on managed motorway road safety we want to share. Managed motorways are now ‘Smart Motorways’, which many now consider ‘not-so-smart’ because the hard shoulder has gone. That said, they are here, and we need to know how to deal with them.
The Strategic Road Networks (SRN) is arguably the biggest and most important piece of infrastructure in the country, comprising more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major ‘A’ roads which are at the core of our national transport system.
Around 10 per cent of the motorway network is now made up of smart motorways. So it’s important to be able to recognise their features and how they work together.
What to do in an emergency
- Go left. Leave at the next junction or service area if you can. If that’s not possible, move left onto the hard shoulder or nearest emergency area.
- Don’t put out a warning triangle or try to repair your vehicle yourself.
- If you can, get yourself and any passengers out of the vehicle via the passenger door, and get behind the safety barrier where there is one, and if it is safe to do so, and on to the verge.
- If you’re on a verge be aware of any unseen hazards such as sudden drops, uneven ground or debris.
- Keep clear of your vehicle and moving traffic at all times. If you don’t, moving traffic could collide with your vehicle, forcing it into you and your passengers.
What does the Red X sign mean?
DO NOT USE THIS LANE EVEN IF IT APPEARS CLEAR.
A red ‘X’ sign above any lane indicates that it is closed; traffic in that lane should divert to another lane to avoid coming across an accident, broken-down vehicle, roadworks or some other hazard in the road. There won’t be a physical barrier preventing you from staying in that lane, or moving across into it—and it might not be immediately obvious why the lane is closed. But, however tempting it is to ignore the sign and beat other traffic, it will cost you.
What do the traffic signs and signals mean?
If there is an upcoming obstruction in one lane, you may also see an arrow pointing you to move left or right. This is often to give you advanced warning that the lane is going to be closing; getting out of the lane at this point helps ease congestion further ahead.
Other arrows pointing onwards (straight ahead) indicate that the corresponding lane is open.
What if I break down on a motorway?
If your car stops unexpectedly and it isn’t safe to get out:
- stay in your vehicle
- keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on
- call 999 immediately. Alternatively, press your SOS button (if your vehicle has one) and ask for the police. The emergency services can alert us, so we can close motorway lanes and send other help as required, such as a Traffic Officer
- tell the operator if you’re disabled and/or a vulnerable motorist – such as an older person or travelling alone
If you have a hearing, speech or physical impairment that means you can’t use an emergency roadside phone, text us on 0738 028 3600 for roadside assistance.
What if I break down in a ‘live’ lane?
If you can’t get into the left hand lane, or you can’t exit your vehicle to get to a place of safety, stay in your vehicle, keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on and call 999 immediately.
National Highways closely monitors traffic in roadworks, but you must call 999 if you’ve broken down in them. The police will then alert us, so we can work with them to provide a coordinated response.
Help protect yourself and other drivers
Stay within the speed limit and keep left unless you’re overtaking. This helps to keep you and other road users safe, and to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.
Plan ahead. Check that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, and that you have enough fuel for your journey. Remember to plan for breaks and don’t drive when you’re tired.
If you or anyone in your vehicle is unable to follow our breakdowns advice for any reason, stay in your vehicle, keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on and call 999 immediately.
Don’t stop to assist another vehicle that has broken down or been involved in a collision. You may feel you want to help, but it’s safer to call National Highways, or if there is an immediate risk to life call 999.
Keep the following items in the car if you can:
- Warm clothes
- Hi-vis jacket
- A torch
- Breakdown cover details
Make sure you have these items with you before you set off on a long journey:
- Any medication you need
- Charged mobile phone
- Food and water
