An HGV breakdown is high-stakes — a heavy vehicle blocking a road or motorway, a schedule slipping, and a load to protect. Here’s how to handle it safely and get moving again.
1. Make the scene safe
Get the vehicle as far off the carriageway as possible, hazards on. On a motorway, follow smart-motorway guidance, use an emergency refuge area if you can reach one, and exit on the nearside away from traffic.
2. Report it if you’re blocking a live lane
If the HGV is blocking a live motorway lane, contact National Highways — or the police on 999 if there’s immediate danger — so the situation can be managed while recovery is arranged.
3. Call heavy recovery, not a car recovery van
An artic or rigid needs the right equipment: HIAB, heavy recovery units and drivers who know how to use them. K9 arranges HGV & truck recovery through our nationwide network, 24/7, with load transfer where needed.
4. Plan the load and onward move
Tell your recovery operator what you’re carrying — a load transfer may be needed before the vehicle can be recovered and moved onward.
HGV down? Call K9 on 07301 118118 — heavy recovery, nationwide, 24/7.