Accident recovery in London: information to give a recovery provider

If there is immediate danger, call emergency services first

If anyone is at risk, call 999 and ask for the police. The Highway Code tells drivers who cannot get to a place of relative safety to call 999, press their vehicle’s SOS/eCall button if fitted, or use an emergency telephone on a motorway. Follow police or traffic officer directions at the scene and keep well away from moving traffic while you wait for help (Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents).

What to do before you call a recovery provider

• Stop in a place of relative safety if you can — service areas, lay-bys or emergency areas are preferred; on motorways use hard shoulder or an emergency area only if necessary (Highway Code rules 275–277).
• Keep passengers well away from your vehicle and moving traffic; if you cannot exit safely, stay in your vehicle with seat belts and hazard lights on and call 999 (Highway Code rule 277).
• Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway and do not attempt repairs on a live carriageway (Highway Code rules 276–278).
• If the incident involves dangerous goods, switch off engines, do not smoke, keep well away and tell the emergency services about any vehicle markings or labels (Highway Code rules 284–285).

Clear, concise information to give a recovery provider

When you contact a recovery provider, give as many of the following facts as you can — they help the operator decide what vehicle and crew to send and how to reach you safely.

Location

• Exact road name/number (for example, A or M number) and nearest junction or exit.
• Which carriageway or direction you are travelling (eg clockwise/anticlockwise on motorways).
• Use marker posts, driver location signs or the numbers/letters on them if you can — the Highway Code recommends quoting these on high-speed roads; alternatively use an eCall/SOS button or a mobile mapping app to identify your location (Highway Code: communicating your location).
• Whether you are on a hard shoulder, in a lay‑by, in a service area, or blocking a live lane.

Vehicle details

• Registration (number plate), make, model and colour.
• Whether the vehicle is currently immobilised or can be driven a short distance.
• Whether the engine is running, any warning lights, airbag deployment or visible mechanical damage.
• If known, whether the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials — tell the operator and emergency services immediately (Highway Code rule 285).

People and safety

• Number of people on board, and whether anyone is injured — if there are injuries call 999.
• Mention any passengers with mobility needs, vulnerabilities or if you are travelling alone (the Highway Code advises telling the operator if you are a vulnerable motorist) (Highway Code rule 277).
• Whether any pets or animals are present and where they are located.

Immediate hazards and scene details

• Is the vehicle leaking fuel or fluids?
• Are there obstructions, debris, or other damaged vehicles at the scene? (Do not attempt to remove obstructions on motorways — call the emergency services) (Highway Code rule 280).
• Is the vehicle in a position that risks collision from passing traffic?

Practical access information

• Can the vehicle be accessed from the verge or is it in a gated/locked area?
• Are the vehicle keys present, or locked inside?
• Any access restrictions (low bridges, narrow lanes, restricted vehicle weight limits).

Extras that may help (flagged as helpful but not formally required)

• Photographs of the scene, vehicle position and visible damage can help a recovery operator decide what equipment is needed — but only take photos if it is safe to do so and you are well away from moving traffic. (This is practical advice, not a Highway Code requirement.)

What the Highway Code emphasises while you wait

• Keep well away from moving traffic and, if possible, behind a safety barrier (do not return to the vehicle) (Highway Code rules 275–277).
• Use the emergency telephone in motorway emergency areas and follow operator instructions; face the traffic when speaking and inform the operator if you are vulnerable (Highway Code rule 277).
• Do not attempt repairs on the carriageway and do not place a warning triangle on motorways (Highway Code rules 276–278).

Contacting UK Breakdown Recovery

UK Breakdown Recovery is a 24‑hour recovery provider serving London and nearby motorways (M4, M40, M25). If you need our help, please use our contact page so we can collect the details above and arrange recovery: Contact UK Breakdown Recovery. For an overview of our services see: UK Breakdown Recovery services.