1. Get out of the lane if you can
If the car is still moving, signal left and aim for a slip road, a lay-by, a bus stop bay or a side road. Even a few hundred metres to a safer spot makes a difference.
2. If you’re stuck in a live lane
- Hazard lights on, straight away. Keep sidelights on at night.
- If it’s safe to get out, leave by the door away from traffic and get behind the barrier or onto the pavement.
- If you can’t get out safely, keep your seatbelt on and call 999.
- Don’t try to push the car or put out a warning triangle on a fast stretch.
3. Work out where you are
“The North Circular” is 25 miles long. Tell us:
- Your direction: eastbound towards Woodford and the A12, or westbound towards Chiswick and Kew
- The last junction you passed: Hanger Lane, Neasden, Staples Corner, Henlys Corner, Great Cambridge, Crooked Billet…
- Any landmark: the IKEA, a retail park, a petrol station, a footbridge
Or just send your live location on WhatsApp. It’s the quickest way.
4. Call for recovery
Call us on 020 8058 0013. The A406 is a red route, so cars need to be cleared quickly. Recovery trucks can stop where you can’t, with beacons and signage.