£200k boost to speed up motorway breakdown clearances – even for EVs!
Highways chiefs roll out game-changing kit
National Highways has splashed out £200,000 on new kit and training for all 262 Traffic Officers. The goal? To shift broken-down vehicles faster – including tricky electric cars – and keep traffic flowing on busy motorways and A roads.
Every Traffic Officer vehicle now carries plastic skates, nicknamed “Slippery Jims,” hammered under the wheels to reduce friction. This lets officers tow “non-rolling” cars safely to the side without waiting for bulky recovery trucks.
Electric vehicles no longer cause delays
EVs have been a headache because their motors hook directly to wheels and lack a neutral gear. Towing them normally risks costly damage, forcing officers to wait for specialist help. But with the skates, EVs can be moved immediately, slashing clearance times.
Plus, new “battery boosters” fitted to patrol cars can jump-start petrol vehicles up to 8 litres and diesels up to 6 litres on the spot, getting stranded cars moving again.
Safety and the economy both win
“No-one plans to break down, but if the unexpected happens the new equipment will further reduce the time it takes to move a stranded vehicle out of a live lane to a safer area, reducing the risk to both our Traffic Officers and other road users,” said Mel Clarke, National Highways Customer Service Director.
Traffic Officer Dave Harford echoed the boost in safety: “Our priority is moving vehicles to safety fast while minimising risk. This kit helps us clear lanes quicker, cutting delays for all drivers.”
In 2021, there were nearly 206,000 breakdowns on National Highways roads. Clearing incidents faster isn’t just safer – it’s expected to add at least £29.8 million a year to the UK economy.
What to do if you break down
- Go Left: Signal left, move into an emergency area or hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights.
- Get Safe: Exit your vehicle on the side away from traffic if possible. If not safe, stay inside and wait.
- Get Help: Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a recovery service. If in danger, stay put and call 999 immediately.
The “Go Left” campaign backs this new kit rollout, urging motorists to follow simple steps to stay safe while help arrives.
