Important Motoring Emergency Contacts
Having key emergency contacts saved can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Essential numbers include your breakdown provider, insurance company, and a trusted emergency contact. On major roads, you can also contact National Highways by using roadside emergency phones or calling 0300 123 5000. In life-threatening situations, always dial 999. At Motor Bridge, we recommend keeping these numbers easily accessible in your phone and written down in your vehicle so you’re always prepared, whatever the road throws your way.
Important Motoring Emergency Contacts
Know Who to Call When You Need Help on the Road
At Motor Bridge, we believe every driver should have quick access to essential motoring emergency contacts numbers in case of a breakdown, accident, or roadside incident. Whether you’re driving locally or on a long-distance journey, knowing who to contact can make a stressful situation safer and easier to manage.
Here is a guide to the key motoring emergency contacts for drivers across the UK:
Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
📞 Dial 999
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger — such as in a road traffic accident or medical emergency — call 999. This connects you to the emergency services and should only be used for serious or life-threatening incidents.
National Highways – Reporting Incidents on Motorways and A Roads (England Only)
0300 123 5000 (24/7)
If you break down or see a hazard on a motorway or major A road in England, contact National Highways. Their control rooms operate 24/7 to manage live incidents and deploy traffic officers when needed.
You can also use emergency roadside telephones, which automatically connect you to National Highways.
Tip: Pull over safely onto the hard shoulder or designated emergency refuge area before making the call.
Breakdown Assistance Providers (Nationwide)
If you have breakdown cover, contact your provider directly. The following are UK-wide services:
AA: 0800 887 766 or via the AA app
RAC: 0333 2000 999 or via the RAC app
Green Flag: 0800 400 600
Start Rescue: 01206 785 999
Tip: Save your breakdown provider’s number in your phone and keep a copy in your vehicle.
Non-Emergency Police (e.g. reporting a minor collision or road hazard)
📞 101
Use 101 to contact your local police force for non-emergency road incidents, such as:
Minor collisions with no injuries
Reporting unsafe driving
Road obstructions not on motorways
Scotland and Wales
While England’s major roads are managed by National Highways, the equivalent organisations for other parts of the UK are:
Traffic Scotland (motorways & major roads in Scotland):
0800 028 1414 or visit trafficscotland.org
Traffic Wales (Welsh Government Trunk Road Agency):
0300 123 1213 or visit traffic.wales
Extra Tip: Mobile Emergency Calls
Even if you have no signal with your provider, your mobile can still call 999 using another available network. Emergency calls override most network restrictions.
Be Prepared Before You Travel
We recommend every driver:
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Keeps a printed list of motoring emergency contacts in the glovebox
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Has a fully charged mobile phone or car charger
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Carries a warning triangle, high-vis vest, and torch
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Knows where the nearest emergency refuge areas are on smart motorways
Stay informed. Stay safe. At Motor Bridge, we’re here to help you navigate the road with confidence and clarity.
Disclaimer:
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information we provide with motoring emergency contacts, it is intended for general guidance only. We make every effort to keep our content current and correct, but we cannot guarantee that all information is free from errors or omissions. Therefore, we accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, or inconvenience caused as a result of reliance on material found on this platform. Always consult official sources or professional advice where appropriate.
