17/07/2026
❓ Would you know what to do if your vehicle broke down in a live lane?
In recent weeks, Wilthshire police have seen a rise in live lane breakdowns, specifically on the A303 and associated road networks, and a few of these drivers have not called police. On two separate occasions, vehicles were in dangerous locations in the middle of the carriageway, posing a serious danger to the occupants and other road users. Police were alerted two hours later, after a passing lorry driver stopped and called police.
If you break down in a live lane, do not leave your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights, keep your seatbelts fastened, and call 999 immediately. Only exit if you are in the leftmost lane and can safely reach the safety barrier on your left.
Follow these steps based on your exact situation:
🚙 If you can't exit the live lane safely
• Stay put: Remain in the vehicle with your seatbelts and hazard lights on.
• Call 999: Dial the emergency services straight away and provide your location.
• Let the signs work: Smart motorway technology uses radar detection to spot stopped vehicles. Control rooms will display a red X on overhead gantries to close the lane behind you.
🚙 If you can exit to the left
• Go left: Try to steer the vehicle as far to the left as possible.
• Exit to safety: If safe, exit your car using the doors furthest away from moving traffic (usually the passenger side).
• Get over the barrier: Move behind the safety barrier and stand well away from the carriageway.
🚙 If you are in roadworks or on major A-roads
• Pull over: Try to safely coast into a layby or the nearside verge if possible.
• Call National Highways: For smart motorways or major A-roads, you can report your breakdown to National Highways at 0300 123 5000 for assistance.
• Dial 999: As always, use 999 immediately if you feel you are in immediate danger.
