Very sad. Been in that situation myself in my fitting days changing wheels and even a spring on the hard shoulder. Regarding ‘smart’ motorways, I got onto the M1 Northbound at gate 29 and straight away the 60 mph speed restriction sign was illuminated together with an arrow to move across into the second lane and the message that a slow moving vehicle was wanting to move out of an emergency layby. It was a recovery truck towing a VW camper, everyone moved across and out he came. How does that work, does the driver notify the Highways Agency that he is ready to rejoin the M/way or do cameras pick up on it?
Pete.