£200k boost speeds up motorway breakdown rescues – even for tricky electric cars!
National Highways’ new kit cuts breakdown chaos
National Highways has splashed out £200,000 on fresh kit and training to get stuck vehicles off roads faster. All 262 Traffic Officer vehicles now sport plastic skates, nicknamed “Slippery Jims,” to ease the haul of broken-down cars—including electric vehicles (EVs)—to safety. The move aims to slash delays and keep Britain’s motorways flowing.
How the “Slippery Jims” work
These clever plastic skates are hammered under each tyre to reduce friction on the road. This means officers can tow non-rolling cars quickly without dragging wheels across tarmac. Crucially, the tech lets Traffic Officers move EVs immediately. Towing electric cars the old way risked costly motor damage, as EVs lack a proper neutral gear.
Battery boosters to jump-start road chaos
On top of skates, officer vehicles now carry “battery boosters” to give petrol and diesel cars a quick jump-start. The boosters can recharge engines up to 8-litre petrol and 6-litre diesel models on the spot, speeding up clearances and reducing roadside dangers.
Safety first with speedy breakdown fix
“No-one plans to break down, but if the unexpected happens, our new equipment will reduce the time stranded vehicles block live lanes,” said Mel Clarke, National Highways Customer Service Director. “This keeps traffic safer and moving quicker.”
Traffic Officer Dave Harford added: “Safety is our top priority. This new gear lets us move stuck vehicles safely and swiftly, slashing delays for other drivers.”
Breakdown stats and massive savings
In 2021, National Highways recorded nearly 206,000 breakdowns, including over 183,000 on motorways alone. Previously, officers waiting for recovery vans to move EVs caused hold-ups. Now, faster clearance is expected to save the UK economy at least £29.8 million a year by cutting traffic jams and delays.
Remember the new “Go Left” rules if you break down
- Go left: Signal left and pull into the hard shoulder, emergency area, service station, verge or lay-by.
- Switch on your hazards: Use hazard lights day and night; add side and fog lights if visibility is poor.
- Get safe: Exit the vehicle away from traffic if safe. Otherwise, stay inside with belts fastened and hazards on.
- Get help: Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then arrange breakdown recovery. If in immediate danger or stuck in a live lane, call 999.
National Highways is determined to keep Britain’s roads safer and moving faster, no matter what breaks down next.
