Broken Down on the M40? What to Do (Junctions 2 to 5)

The M40 between Beaconsfield (junction 2) and Stokenchurch (junction 5) is one of the busiest roads around High Wycombe. Breaking down here is frightening, but a few simple steps keep you safe and get help to you quickly.

1. Try to get off the motorway

If your vehicle is still moving and you can do so safely, leave at the next junction or pull into services. Beaconsfield Services at junction 2 is far safer than the hard shoulder. Junction 3 (Loudwater), junction 4 (Handy Cross) and junction 5 (Stokenchurch) all lead onto roads where you can stop somewhere safer.

2. If you have to stop, use the hard shoulder

• Pull as far left as you can, with your wheels turned slightly to the left.
• Switch on your hazard lights, and sidelights if it’s dark or visibility is poor.
• Get out on the left-hand side, away from traffic, with all passengers.
• Leave animals in the vehicle unless it’s an emergency.

3. Wait behind the barrier

Climb over the barrier if it’s safe and stand well back and up the bank if possible. Don’t stand between your vehicle and the traffic, and don’t try to make repairs yourself.

4. Work out exactly where you are

Look for the blue driver location signs by the side of the road, they show the motorway, a letter for the carriageway and a distance number. The small marker posts every 100 metres show similar information. Note which direction you’re travelling: northbound (towards Oxford and Birmingham) or southbound (towards London).

If you’re unsure, share your live location on WhatsApp, it’s often the quickest way for us to find you.

5. Call for help

If anyone is hurt, your vehicle is in a live lane or you can’t get out safely, call 999. Otherwise, call your recovery provider. If you don’t have breakdown cover, a local recovery company like JOJ Recovery can come out on a pay-as-you-go basis.

What about smart motorways?

The M40 between junctions 2 and 5 has a hard shoulder. Nearby, parts of the M4 (around Slough and Maidenhead) and the M25 are smart motorways where the advice is different. Aim for an emergency area, and if you can’t get out safely, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call 999.

Read more about our M40 breakdown recovery or breakdown recovery service.