You must only stop on a motorway if

• Red lights or other signs or signals tell you to do so
• You are asked to stop by the police, Highway Agency Traffic Officers or Vehicle and Operator Services Agency Officers
• It's an emergency
• It will prevent an accident.

You must not stop to pick up or set down anyone on any part of a motorway, including a slip road.

The hard shoulder - Use the hard shoulder only in an emergency.

Slowing down and stopping
If you have to slow down or stop on the carriageway as a result of traffic congestion, switch on your hazard warning lights to warn traffic behind you of the obstruction ahead. Once you are sure they have been seen, switch them off.

Parking
Service areas are the only parking places provided. To reach the services, follow the same procedure as for a motorway exit.

Once off the motorway, slow down and be aware that a low speed will feel very different after a motorway driving. Watch out for sharp turns into car parking areas. Other drivers could fail to reduce their speed sufficiently. Once you have stopped in the car park, keep children and animals under control.

When you leave your vehicle, remember to lock it. Don't leave valuables (cameras etc) on view. Be a careful pedestrian.

To rejoin the motorway, follow the same procedure as when joining the motorway at any entrance.