I broke down yesterday morning on a dual carriageway at 7.15am. My engine literally just stopped at 70mph, I managed to get to the verge as there’s no lay-by but steering went as it slowed and there’s not really space to be off the carriageway. Lorry’s were thundering past me so I did as I knew should and got the hell out, walked through well overgrown grass and stinging nettles to the metal barrier. I first went to my RAC app and immediately seen the advice I have to call 999. I called the police and they assured me they were sending someone, I then called the RAC. I was informed that they would not log my breakdown until the police arrived and it was safe, so I had to call back then. It was so bloody cold, I left my coat in the car and couldn’t go back. 30 minutes later the police arrived to slow traffic and make things safe, I’d never been so happy to see them! So I called the RAC to report the breakdown, I was told that as I was in a dangerous place I was top of their list! Amazing! How wonderful! Over an hour later, still on the carriageway and an update that said its latest arrival time would be 10.15 (3 hours after breaking down) I called them. They unfortunately had higher priorities than myself and they would be with me soon. The policeman then said that we really couldn’t wait much longer because I’m causing havoc in rush hour traffic on a dual carriageway, it’s dangerous so he would organise a tow. A tow truck arrived, the man informed me because the police called him, he was supposed to impound my vehicle, I’d have to pay £192 for the pleasure of being moved. He then added that as I had broken down and not been in an accident or committed an offence he would take me the three minutes drive to the services at the end of the carriageway, but it would still cost me £192. I have no choice and quite frankly wanted off the bloody carriageway. I arrived with vehicle at the services around 11am. I contacted RAC to update my location. The RAC arrived at around 1pm, his attempts for get my vehicle on the road were futile and he told me my engine was shot. He then told me that as I have an 8 seater van he wouldn’t be able to tow me and would have to log a request for a tow truck. At this point I could’ve cried, I was so cold and tired and I’d have to wait even longer because the van they send isn’t adequate to tow my vehicle. All information they have on their system. He logs the tow request and leaves. I call RAC to try and find out what the ETA will be, as their link wasn’t updating, she told me 20 minutes, which was music to my ears! My husband called to check in and ask if he and his work mate sounded come and pick me up, of course I said no point it’s coming soon. By luck I clicked on their link again while talking to him, there was now an update saying their estimated arrival time would be 7.40-9.40pm! Wtf! He told me to ring them again to make sure and sure enough, it was a 20 minute wait 5 minutes ago and now they would do their best to get to me asap. It’s now 3pm, I’ve been in the cold for nearly 8 hours. I called my husband to come and get me, I left the key on the tyre. I arrived home around 4.30pm. At 5pm I received a call, it was the tow guys from the morning, he said the RAC had requested for them to pick my vehicle up and bring it the 30 min drive to my garage near home. The same company I had to pay £192 to put me in the services, were picking my vehicle up for the RAC. Anyone else see the ridiculousness!!!! I had sorted for my garage to look at my vehicle that afternoon but they were closed by the time it arrived, so now I have to wait until Monday to find out if I need a new vehicle or not. I appreciate there is a priority list, I was top of it apparently and didn’t get priority service in a dangerous situation. Had to involve police, pay £192 and froze my god damn ass off all day, had mixed updates for times and generally felt they didn’t care. Recovery service my ass.