ford focus 1.5 automtic diesel - transmission faliure - sabina

Hi I would be very grateful if someone could help me. I have a Ford Focus 1.5 auto diesel and today a message came up which said transmission faliure and then after about 15 min when I was trying to go over a speed bump the car stopped and would not move forward, (luckily no traffic) I turned the car off and then turned it back on after about 2 mins and it was fine. Driven it this evening and it seems fine.The car is driving well and the message has not come up. There were two things I wanted to ask really, the first is what could have caused it? and the second is i'm driving to SWales on Saturday (approx 4 hour drive) will the car be safe? It doesn't help that I don't really know much about the workings of the car. I also don't have the handbook as the guy who sold me the car did not provide one. Thankyou in advance to anyone who can help me, Sabina :)