Temporary sign
Free recovery: await rescue sign
What does the Free recovery: await rescue sign mean?
In a breakdown within a road works site, wait for the free recovery service to rescue you.
Also known as: Free recovery sign
What it means
If you break down in the road works, wait for the free recovery service.
The sign tells drivers that, in the event of a breakdown within a road works site, they should await rescue by the free recovery service.
Stay safe and wait for help.
Where you'll see it
At the start of some long road works sites, especially on motorways.
Rules to know
In the event of a breakdown within a road works site, await rescue by the free recovery service.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 160
Common mistakes
Mistake: Trying to fix the vehicle in a live lane.
Instead: Follow the sign and wait for the recovery service.
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© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
See also
Road works
Temporary sign
The general warning for road works.
See also
Red X: lane closed
Motorway sign
Lane closures are common within road works.
More temporary signs
All temporary signs
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- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Road works and temporary signs, p. 160
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 7291). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content