Breakdown recovery vehicles permitted to use red flashing lights to protect drivers
The Government’s Plan for Drivers policy paper has stated that breakdown recovery vehicles will now be allowed to use red flashing lights when helping the public.
The document highlighted that breakdown vehicles will be allowed to have permitting red flashing lights to help to protect recovery drivers by making them more visible at the roadside.
This measure will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.
RAC chief operations officer Dom Shorrocks said: “This is an important milestone in the improvement of safety for the roadside assistance industry.
“We’ve long been calling for roadside assistance workers and recovery drivers, including our own, to be allowed to use red flashing lights alongside the customary amber ones to alert motorists to their presence. In fact, we again raised the issue with the Secretary of State in the summer, urging him to take action. This announcement is therefore very good news for our industry and for the drivers we serve as it will unequivocally improve the visibility of roadside workers and help save lives.
“There have been too many tragic collisions where lives have been lost involving stationary recovery vehicles at the sides of high-speed roads, and where more prominent red lights might have made a difference. As soon as the law is changed, we’ll make sure all of our teams can start using red flashing lights as quickly as possible.”
- Common breakdown problems – your complete guide
- What to do if your car breaks down
- Broken down without cover – here’s what you can do
According to the paper, ‘road recovery operators provide a crucial service to stranded drivers and support the economy by getting goods moving and preventing the build-up of congestion on our busy road network to help journeys flow more smoothly’.
This is why the Government will now permit the use of rear-facing red flashing lamps by road recovery operators – such as the RAC.
In the foreword to the paper, from Transport Secretary Mark Harper, highlighted the importance of vehicles for people of all ages across the UK – but stated that change was needed to help with both safety, increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and reaching the nation’s Net Zero goals.
Through ‘responding to drivers’ priorities’, Harper wanted the paper to help drivers with the cost of living and tackle the rising cost of fuel.
The paper showed that the Government has invested more than £41.6bn in ‘investment into the strategic road network’. This includes funding for road safety campaigns and creating new infrastructure to support zero emission cars.
Public transport, parking issues, and stopping unfair enforcement for drivers were also discussed in greater detail.
What do you make of the paper and the announcement? Leave your comments below.

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like

Common breakdown problems – your complete guide
Avoid breaking down in your car by follow these useful tips and simple car checks from the RAC

Explained: how the RAC deals with smart motorway breakdowns
In light of recent interest in how roadside assistance companies deal with breakdowns on smart motorways the RAC wants to reassure members. Learn more here.

Pets and breakdowns - what you need to do
What happens if you have a breakdown and you're carrying your pets in the car? Read our frequently asked questions and find out what to do with your pets.

Our guide to avoiding a breakdown this autumn
The autumn season can present plenty of challenges out on the roads. These top tips from the RAC will help ensure your autumnal driving goes without a hitch.

What to pack in your emergency breakdown kit
Many of our cars and other vehicles don't like the cold and wet weather. Take a few minutes to ensure you're fully prepared with a winter breakdown kit.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10