National Highways has invested £200,000 in new equipment and training to get broken-down vehicles off motorways faster, including tricky electric cars (EVs). All 262 Traffic Officer vehicles are now fitted with plastic skates, nicknamed “Slippery Jims,” designed to ease the removal of stranded vehicles and keep Britain’s motorways flowing smoothly.
The “Slippery Jims” work by being hammered under each tyre to reduce friction between the vehicle and the road surface. This allows officers to tow non-rolling cars quickly without dragging wheels across the tarmac. Importantly, this technology enables Traffic Officers to move electric vehicles immediately, avoiding the risk of costly motor damage since EVs do not have a traditional neutral gear.
In addition to the plastic skates, officer vehicles now carry “battery boosters” to quickly jump-start petrol and diesel cars. These boosters can recharge engines up to 8-litre petrol and 6-litre diesel models on site, speeding up clearances and reducing roadside dangers.
Mel Clarke, National Highways Customer Service Director, said: “No-one plans to break down, but if the unexpected happens, our new equipment will reduce the time stranded vehicles block live lanes. 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.”
In 2021, National Highways recorded nearly 206,000 breakdowns, including over 183,000 on motorways alone. Previously, officers had to wait for recovery vans to move EVs, causing hold-ups. The new equipment is expected to save the UK economy at least £29.8 million annually by reducing traffic jams and delays.
Drivers should remember the new “Go Left” rules if they 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 seat 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 committed to keeping Britain’s roads safer and moving faster, regardless of what breaks down next.
Originally published by UKNIP.
