Avon and Somerset Constabulary - If you break down on the motorway

If you break down on the motorway

If your car develops a problem and you cannot stop at a service station, you must pull on to the hard shoulder.
Try to stop as close to emergency telephones as you can and remember to pull your car over as close to the verge as possible.
Remember to put on your hazard warning lights and don't forget you will need your lights on during the hours of darkness.
Get out of the side nearest the verge and use the emergency telephone as soon as possible giving your exact location.
A police unit will normally be dispatched to lone females who have been forced to stop on the motorway.
If you cannot stop near a phone there are marker posts at regular intervals on the verge. These have a number indicating your exact location and also have an arrow showing the direction of the nearest emergency telephone.
The phonesare never more than a mile apart on opposite sides of the motorway. Never cross the carriageway to use a phone.
If using a mobile telephone note the number of the nearest marker or junction to give a better idea of your exact location.
If you travel on your own regularly, you might wish to consider getting a "Help - Call the police" banner (or similar) to display in the back windscreen of the car.
Don't stay in your vehicle. Get all of the occupants out and stand on the other side of the barrier (where there is one) away from oncoming traffic.
Above all - stay calm.