National Highways has invested £200,000 in new equipment and training for all 262 Traffic Officers to speed up the clearance of broken-down vehicles on motorways and A roads. This includes innovative tools that allow electric vehicles (EVs) to be towed quickly and safely, reducing traffic delays.
Each Traffic Officer vehicle is now equipped with plastic skates, known as “Slippery Jims,” which are placed under the wheels of broken-down vehicles to reduce friction. This enables officers to tow “non-rolling” cars to the roadside without waiting for large recovery trucks.
Electric vehicles have traditionally caused delays because their motors are directly connected to the wheels and do not have a neutral gear, making towing risky and potentially damaging. The new skates allow EVs to be moved immediately, significantly cutting clearance times.
In addition, patrol cars are now fitted with “battery boosters” that can jump-start petrol vehicles with engines up to 8 litres and diesel vehicles up to 6 litres, helping stranded drivers get back on the road quickly.
Mel Clarke, National Highways Customer Service Director, said, “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.”
Traffic Officer Dave Harford added, “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. Faster incident clearance not only improves safety but is also expected to add at least £29.8 million a year to the UK economy.
If you break down, follow these steps:
Go Left: Signal left, move into an emergency area or hard shoulder, and switch on hazard lights.
Get Safe: Exit your vehicle on the side away from traffic if possible. If it is not safe to exit, stay inside and wait.
Get Help: Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then arrange for a recovery service. If you are in immediate danger, stay put and call 999.
The “Go Left” campaign supports this new equipment rollout by encouraging motorists to follow simple safety steps while waiting for assistance.
Originally published by UKNIP.
