Leaving the motorway
The signs below show the distance to the next exit on a motorway. Plan well ahead and use these signs to position yourself in good time so you can get into lane early.
2km to next exit 300m to next exit 200m to next exit 100m to next exit
When you leave the motorway, you will first enter a deceleration lane. If possible, keep up your speed until you enter this lane, but then slow down and check for signs showing a lower speed limit. Use your speedometer to make sure you are obeying the reduced limit. Remember that the slip roads and link roads between motorways may include sharp bends.
If you miss your exit, drive on to the next exit. You must not attempt to cross the ghost island or reverse back up the hard shoulder.
When you leave a motorway, or it comes to an end, you will see the signs below.
Motorway ends
1km ahead Motorway ends
500m ahead End of motorway
Rest areas, lay-bys and motorway services
The best advice is to plan your journey to avoid having to stop on motorways if at all possible. However, it is important to take regular breaks to rest at appropriate intervals when travelling long distances. Before you start your journey, you should plan where you will stop to rest and use motorway services. The map below shows rest and service areas. Areas marked P are lay-bys where you can stop safely if necessary. They have no facilities. Do not walk on or close to the hard shoulder or motorway lanes. Take care when re-joining the motorway (see advice on page 149).