National Highways has invested £200,000 in new equipment and training to speed up the clearance of broken-down vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), on UK roads. This initiative aims to reduce delays and improve safety for all road users.
All 262 Traffic Officer vans are now equipped with plastic skates, known as “Slippery Jims,” which help move “non-rolling” vehicles safely out of traffic. Officers across the country have been trained to use this new kit, enabling quicker clear-ups and reducing risks on busy motorways.
The plastic skates work by sliding under each tyre and reducing friction, allowing officers to tow stranded cars smoothly to safety. This is especially important for electric vehicles, which can be damaged if towed using traditional methods due to their electric motors and lack of a true neutral gear. Previously, officers often had to wait for recovery trucks to avoid causing damage, but with this new equipment, they can act faster.
In addition to the skates, the vans now carry powerful battery boosters to jump-start petrol and diesel engines on site. This reduces the number of vehicles left stranded with dead batteries and helps clear roads more efficiently.
Mel Clarke, National Highways Customer Service Director, said: “No one plans to break down. But with this new equipment, we can clear stranded vehicles from live lanes quicker, making motorways safer for everyone. Before, we had to wait for recovery trucks, but now our officers can act fast, reducing delays and risks.”
This innovation supports the UK’s commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2050. A trial conducted in East England demonstrated that the plastic skates were 100% effective and the battery boosters 99% reliable, leading to a nationwide rollout last year.
Dave Harford, a National Highways Traffic Officer, added: “Safety is our top priority. This gear lets us move vehicles swiftly and safely, cutting down delays and keeping traffic flowing.”
In 2021, National Highways recorded nearly 206,000 breakdowns on its roads, with over 183,000 occurring on motorways alone. The new equipment is expected to reduce wait times and clear lanes faster, potentially saving the UK economy an estimated £29.8 million annually.
National Highways also reminds drivers of key safety tips from the “Go Left” campaign:
- Go left: Use your left indicator and steer into a hard shoulder, emergency area, or lay-by. Turn on hazard lights — side and fog lights if needed.
- Get safe: Exit your car on the side away from traffic if it is safe to do so. If not, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened and hazards on.
- Get help: Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then contact a recovery service. If you cannot exit your vehicle or feel in danger, stay put and dial 999 immediately.
Originally published by UKNIP.
