When you call for vehicle recovery after a roadside breakdown, giving clear, precise location information speeds up help and keeps everyone safer. Below are the most useful details to have ready and how to identify position on motorways or high-speed roads.
Key location details to give when you contact recovery
- Postcode (if you’re near houses or a service area) or full road name.
- Road type and number (for example ‘M25’, ‘A40’).
- Direction of travel (northbound, southbound, clockwise/anticlockwise on motorways).
- Nearest junction number or roundabout name.
- Nearest service area, lay-by or named emergency area.
- Marker post or driver location sign numbers/letters if visible (see below).
- How far you are from the nearest junction or landmark (e.g. ‘about 200 metres after Junction 5’).
- Whether the vehicle is on the hard shoulder, off the carriageway, blocking a lane, or in a lay-by.
- Any immediate hazards (fuel leaking, smoke, obstructions) and the number of people in the vehicle.
Also be ready with vehicle details (make, colour, registration). For more on vehicle details to prepare, see our guidance: Vehicle details to prepare for a breakdown recovery enquiry in London.
Motorways and high-speed roads — what to prioritise
- If you can reach a place of relative safety (service area, lay-by, emergency area, hard shoulder), do so — the Highway Code defines and prioritises these as safer locations. Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents.
- If you cannot get to a safe place, move into the left lane and stop as far left as possible, leaving space to exit the vehicle; switch on hazard lights and get out on the side furthest from traffic if it is safe. Highway Code.
- Use the emergency telephone in an emergency area (if present) rather than placing a warning triangle on motorways — the Highway Code warns against using warning triangles on motorways and advises using emergency telephones. Highway Code.
How to identify your location on a motorway
- Use the SOS/eCall button in vehicles fitted with it to connect and pass your exact location.
- Mapping apps on a smartphone can give a precise map location — read the map reference to tell the operator where you are.
- Quote the numbers and letters shown on marker posts or driver location signs at the roadside — these are specifically mentioned as a method to identify location. Highway Code.
Practical phrasing to give when you call
- “I’m on the M25 clockwise, just after Junction 12. I can read the nearest driver location sign to you.”
- “I’m on the A40 westbound, near a lay-by. I can share my map location.”
- “I can share my postcode or map location, plus the vehicle colour and registration.”
Safety reminders from the Highway Code
- Keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic where possible. Highway Code.
- If you cannot exit the vehicle safely, stay inside with seat belts on and call 999 if necessary. Highway Code.
- Do not attempt repairs on the carriageway; do not place a warning triangle on motorways. Highway Code.
Contacting UK Breakdown Recovery
UK Breakdown Recovery operates in London and on the M4, M40 and M25. For recovery assistance or to report your location, please use our contact page and include the details above: Contact UK Breakdown Recovery. For a summary of our services see: UK Breakdown Recovery services.
Sources and further guidance
- Rules on places of relative safety, leaving the carriageway, and actions to take during breakdowns: GOV.UK — Highway Code, Breakdowns and incidents.
- Methods to identify location (eCall, app, marker post / driver location sign): GOV.UK — Highway Code.
- Business coverage (London, M4, M40, M25) and services offered: UK Breakdown Recovery services.
- Contact and how to request recovery: Contact UK Breakdown Recovery.
Flagged uncertain claims
- Estimated recovery arrival times are not provided here and will vary by location, traffic and operator availability — check with the recovery operator when you call.
