1) Motorway stopping area 2) Motorway verge 
[n] - (British) a paved strip beside a motorway (for stopping in emergencies)
noun a paved strip beside a motorway (for stopping in emergencies)
You may only stop on the hard shoulder, in a breakdown, in an emergency or if told to stop by the police. You MUST NOT use the hard shoulder for overtaking. In areas where an Active Traffic Management (ATM) Scheme is in force, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. You will know when you can use this because a speed limit sign will be sho...