Broken Down on the M4? What To Do
Safety advice for breaking down on the M4 around Slough, Maidenhead, Reading and Heathrow — including its smart motorway sections.
Know the smart motorway sections
Much of the M4 between Junctions 3 and 12 is an all-lane running smart motorway with no permanent hard shoulder. Look for orange emergency areas, roughly every mile or so.
If you can, leave at the next junction
If warning lights come on, head for the next exit or services rather than stopping on the carriageway.
If you're stuck in a live lane
Keep your seatbelt on, hazards on, and call 999. Highways England can close the lane and set a red X.
Once you're safe
Call us with the junction numbers either side of you and your direction (east towards London or west towards Reading).
Related help
More motorway & safety guides
- What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Motorway
- Broken Down Near Heathrow? A Quick Guide
- How Much Does Car Recovery Cost?
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