Describing an incident around London
When requesting help, include the borough, carriageway direction, junction and any London traffic, tunnel or access restriction affecting a recovery vehicle.
Start with the exact incident location rather than the provider's office address. Mobile coverage regularly crosses town and county boundaries, while workshop suitability depends on vehicle access, equipment and capacity. On motorways give the carriageway direction, the junctions either side and the nearest marker post; on sites give the HGV gate and a site contact.
Nearby coverage
Useful search references around London include Watford, Dartford, Enfield, Heathrow. Provider service areas overlap, so a mechanic based in a neighbouring town may be closer to the vehicle than one listed under London. Always confirm attendance for the precise vehicle location.
Popular capabilities around London
The services most often needed at the roadside on the M1 and M4 corridors. Each guide explains what the provider will ask you and what to expect.
Safety first on M1
If the vehicle is in a live lane, or there is injury, fire or a spill, call 999 before arranging any repair. On a motorway or smart motorway go left to an emergency area or the hard shoulder, get behind the barrier, and use the SOS phone or call National Highways on 0300 123 5000. Read the breakdown checklist for the full sequence.