When you contact UK Breakdown Recovery about a motorway problem on the M4, M40 or M25, clear, specific information helps us get you the right help safely. Below is a short checklist of the details to have ready, plus Highway Code safety points to follow while you wait.
Key information to have ready
Where you are
- Motorway name (M4, M40 or M25) and direction (for example: eastbound / westbound / clockwise / anticlockwise).
- Nearest junction number or service area name if you can see one.
- If you can, read the letters/numbers from the nearest marker post or driver location sign and tell us those characters — they identify your exact stretch of road. (Source: GOV.UK)
- Whether you are on the carriageway, in a lane, the hard shoulder, an emergency area, a lay-by or in a service area.
- Whether your vehicle is currently causing an obstruction to traffic.
Vehicle and people details
- Vehicle make, model, colour and registration number.
- A brief description of the problem (e.g. flat battery, puncture, overheating, won’t start, collision damage).
- Whether the vehicle is drivable or needs to be towed/loaded on a recovery vehicle.
- How many passengers are aboard and whether any are vulnerable (children, mobility needs, medical conditions) — tell us if someone needs extra help.
- If you have animals, tell us their location and status — the Highway Code says animals must be kept in the vehicle or kept under control on the verge in an emergency. (Source: GOV.UK)
Safety actions to take now (Highway Code summary)
- Try to stop in a place of relative safety — a service area is the safest place on motorways where possible. (Source: GOV.UK)
- If you can’t reach a safe place, move into the left lane and, if possible, stop on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. Switch on hazard lights. (Source: GOV.UK)
- Get out of the vehicle by the side furthest from traffic and wait well away from the carriageway and moving traffic — preferably behind a safety barrier. (Source: GOV.UK)
- Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway and do not attempt repairs on the carriageway. (Source: GOV.UK)
- If you cannot exit the vehicle safely, stay inside with your seat belt and hazard lights on and call 999 for the police or press your vehicle’s SOS/eCall if fitted. Use a mobile mapping app or quote the nearest driver location sign/marker post when speaking to emergency services. (Source: GOV.UK)
What helps our team respond faster
- Precise location (motorway, direction, nearest junction, marker post letters/numbers or service area).
- Clear statement whether the vehicle is on the carriageway or hard shoulder and whether lanes are blocked.
- Vehicle details listed above and whether people or animals require urgent assistance.
- Tell us if you are registered disabled or would benefit from additional on-scene assistance.
UK Breakdown Recovery provides motorway recovery and roadside assistance on the M4, M40 and M25. For help, please use our contact page. Contact UK Breakdown Recovery — we will ask for the details above.
Important: we cannot promise or publish a fixed arrival time here. Traffic conditions, lane closures and safety procedures can affect recovery operations — please follow the Highway Code advice above while you wait.
If you want more general information about our services, see our main services page: UK Breakdown Recovery services, or our M4/M40/M25-specific page: M4, M40 and M25 motorway recovery.
