The RAC, AA and Green Flag have joined forces to call for updates to motorway safety rules to protect their own recovery patrols as well as other road users.

The three organisations are calling for increased awareness of the dangers faced by patrols and drivers that have broken down

Following the deaths of an RAC roadside technician and two other recovery drivers, the trio of breakdown and recovery associations have written to Road Safety Minister Jesse Norman calling for the introduction of a ‘slow down, move over’ rule when drivers pass a broken-down vehicle or a recovery vehicle with flashing amber beacons.

Within the letter, the three companies say: “We have strengthened our resolve to work together to do all that we can to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

The AA had previously written to Mr Norman suggesting changes to the Highway Code ahead of the new rules implemented in July which enabled learner drivers to have lessons on motorways, but said these recommendations were not adopted.

As well as changes to the Highway Code, the trio have called on the Department for Transport to sponsor a THINK! road safety campaign highlighting the dangers faced by patrols and members of the public broken down at the roadside.

RAC chief operation officer James Knight said: “In light of the recent fatalities we now urgently need the Government to work with us to raise awareness of the issue among drivers and to promote a ‘slow down, move over’ message. This must be backed by a high-profile publicity campaign and a change to the Highway Code.”