Broken Down on the A2, M2 or M20 in Kent: What to Do

Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent

If you have broken down on a motorway in Kent, the official advice is simple: go left, get safe, then get help. Leave at the next exit or services if you can, otherwise stop as far left as possible, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the barrier. If you are stuck in a live lane and cannot get out safely, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and call 999.

This guide covers what the Highway Code and National Highways say for the M2, the M20 and the A2.

Step 1: Go left

As soon as you notice a problem, such as a warning light, a loss of power or a strange noise, start moving left. The Highway Code (Rule 277) says to leave at the next exit or pull into a service area if you can.

If you cannot get that far, National Highways advises you to:

• move into the left lane, or into an emergency area, lay-by or hard shoulder if there is one
• stop as far left as you can, with your wheels turned to the left
• stop just past an emergency telephone if possible
• switch on your hazard lights, and your sidelights if it is dark or visibility is poor

National Highways says not to stop in a live lane unless it is absolutely necessary.

Step 2: Get yourself safe

If it is safe to do so, get out on the side furthest from traffic. Take everyone with you, including children. Wait behind the safety barrier if there is one, and well away from the carriageway.

The Highway Code is firm on a few points for motorways:

• Do not go back to the car, even if it is cold, wet or dark.
• Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway.
• Do not attempt any repairs.
• Keep animals in the car, or under control on the verge in an emergency.

If you cannot get out safely, for example you are stopped in a live lane with traffic on your left, stay in the car. Keep your seatbelt on and hazard lights flashing. Call 999 and ask for the police. If your car has an SOS button, you can press that and ask for the police instead.

Step 3: Get help

Once you are safe, National Highways advises you to call them on 0300 123 5000, or use a free emergency telephone where one is provided. Then contact your breakdown recovery service. Face the oncoming traffic while you talk, and wait well away from the car.

If you could not leave the car, or you did not stop near an emergency telephone, call 999 and ask for the police.

Smart motorway sections on the M20

Part of the M20 is an all lane running smart motorway. This means there is no permanent hard shoulder. National Highways lists the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 in its emergency area retrofit programme, which added four new emergency areas to that stretch.

Emergency areas are places to stop when there is no hard shoulder. The Highway Code (Rule 270) says they are marked by blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol and may have orange surfacing. They must only be used in an emergency.

Two rules matter here:

• Red X signs. A red X on a sign means the lane is closed because people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are in it. You must not drive in a lane closed by a red X (Rule 258). If you have broken down, a red X above your lane is how other drivers are kept away from you.
• Rejoining from an emergency area. Rule 278 says you must use the emergency telephone and follow the operator’s advice before pulling out. A lane may need to be closed so you can rejoin safely.

What about the A2 and the M2?

The A2 is not a motorway, so the general breakdown rule (Rule 276) applies rather than the motorway rule. Get the car off the road if you can, use your hazard lights if you are causing an obstruction, and never stand between your car and oncoming traffic.

On roads other than motorways, the Highway Code allows a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the car, on the same side of the road. It also says to take great care placing and collecting it. On a fast, busy dual carriageway, do not put yourself in danger to place one.

On the M2, and on any motorway section with a hard shoulder, follow the same go left, get safe, get help steps above. The Highway Code points out that a hard shoulder is beside fast moving traffic, so it offers less protection than a services or lay-by. Get out on the left and get behind the barrier.

Can you avoid breaking down in the first place?

Not every breakdown can be prevented. Before a long run on the M20 or M2, it is worth knowing what your dashboard warning lights mean. Some, such as a red oil pressure or temperature light, mean you should stop as soon as it is safe.

Regular servicing also helps us spot worn parts before they fail. Our car maintenance schedule for Kent drivers explains what to check and when. Intervals vary by car, so always check your handbook or service book.

How we can help

We are a mobile mechanic, not a roadside recovery service. If you break down on a motorway or the A2, call 999 or National Highways first, then your recovery provider. Never wait for a mechanic on a motorway.

Once the car is safely home or at work, we can help. We come to you anywhere across our mobile mechanic coverage area in East Kent, including Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Folkestone and the villages around Aylesham. We can carry out fault finding to work out why the car stopped, then tell you what it needs.

Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job and how difficult it is. Parts are extra. We agree the price with you on WhatsApp before any work starts. You can also book an appointment online.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put out a warning triangle on the motorway?
No. The Highway Code says never to use warning triangles on motorways. Use your hazard lights instead and get behind the barrier.

What number do I call if I break down on a motorway in Kent?
If you are safe, National Highways advises calling 0300 123 5000, then your breakdown service. If you are stuck in a live lane or cannot get out safely, call 999 and ask for the police.

Can a mobile mechanic come to me on the motorway?
No. You should not attempt repairs on a motorway. Get recovered to a safe place first, then we can come to you and find the fault.

Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.

Sources

• The Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (Rules 274 to 287), GOV.UK
• The Highway Code: Motorways (Rules 253 to 273), GOV.UK
• Breakdowns: what to do, National Highways
• South East emergency area retrofit programme, National Highways