Smart motorways — sections of motorway where the hard shoulder is used as a running lane — have been controversial since their introduction. When they work as intended, they increase capacity and reduce congestion. When a vehicle breaks down in a live lane, the consequences can be catastrophic. This guide explains what to do if your car breaks down on a smart motorway, how the emergency refuge area system works, and what your legal obligations are.
A smart motorway is a section of motorway that uses technology to manage traffic flow. There are three types: all-lane running (ALR), where the hard shoulder is permanently used as a running lane; dynamic hard shoulder (DHS), where the hard shoulder is opened as a running lane during busy periods; and controlled motorway, where the hard shoulder is always available but variable speed limits are used. The most dangerous type for breakdowns is all-lane running, where there is no permanent hard shoulder to pull onto.
Emergency refuge areas are lay-bys built into the motorway at regular intervals on smart motorway sections. They are marked with blue signs featuring an orange SOS telephone symbol. On all-lane running motorways, ERAs are typically spaced 1.5–2.5 miles apart. If your car begins to lose power or shows warning signs on a smart motorway, your priority is to reach the nearest ERA. ERAs have an emergency telephone connected directly to Highways England's National Traffic Operations Centre.
If your car breaks down on a smart motorway: switch on your hazard lights immediately; move to the left-hand lane and aim for the nearest ERA; if you cannot reach an ERA, pull as far left as possible — onto the verge if available; exit the vehicle from the left-hand (passenger) side and stand behind the barrier or on the verge; call 999 if you are in a live lane and cannot move to safety; use the ERA telephone to contact Highways England; and call your recovery provider on 0330 520 1620. Do not stand in front of or behind your vehicle in a live lane.
When a vehicle is broken down in a live lane on a smart motorway, overhead gantry signs should display a red X above that lane, indicating that the lane is closed. Drivers must not drive in a lane marked with a red X — it is a legal requirement and carries a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points. However, the system relies on cameras detecting the broken-down vehicle and operators activating the signs. There have been cases where signs were not activated quickly enough, which is one of the main criticisms of smart motorways.
Smart motorways have been the subject of significant public and political controversy following a number of fatal accidents involving broken-down vehicles in live lanes. The government announced a pause on new all-lane running smart motorway schemes in 2021, pending a safety review. Existing smart motorways remain in operation. The key safety concern is the time it takes for stopped vehicle detection systems to identify a broken-down vehicle and activate the red X signs — a gap that can last several minutes on a busy motorway.
Recovery from a smart motorway follows the same process as conventional motorway recovery, but with additional safety considerations. Highways England traffic officers will typically attend to manage the scene and protect the recovery operator while they work. The recovery operator will load your vehicle onto a flatbed or trailer and transport it to a place of safety. If your vehicle is in a live lane, do not attempt to push it or move it yourself — wait for professional assistance.
Broken down on a smart motorway or conventional motorway? Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 motorway recovery across the M25, M20, M23, M11, and all major South East motorways. Call 0330 520 1620.
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