WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK DOWN ON THE M11
Broken down on the M11? Here’s what to do to keep yourself safe and arrange vehicle recovery.
Broken Down On The M11?
Breaking down on the M11 can be stressful, especially if it happens in heavy traffic or somewhere you cannot immediately leave the motorway.
The most important thing is to put your safety and the safety of your passengers first. Where you stop — and whether you can safely leave your vehicle — makes a big difference to what you should do next.
If you are travelling around Harlow, the M11 is one of the main routes through the area, with Junction 7 and Junction 7A providing important connections into Harlow and the surrounding road network.
If your vehicle has developed a problem, this guide explains what to do next and when to arrange M11 vehicle recovery.
NEED M11 RECOVERY?
Quick Pick Me Up Recovery is available 24/7.
Send us:
✓ Your location
✓ Nearest junction
✓ Direction of travel
✓ Vehicle make/model
✓ What’s happened
✓ Where you need to go
1. Get Your Vehicle Somewhere Safe If You Can
If your vehicle develops a problem but you can still drive it safely, try to leave the motorway at the next junction or pull into a motorway service area.
If you cannot leave the motorway, move left and use an emergency area, lay-by or hard shoulder where one is available.
Stop as far to the left as possible and switch on your hazard warning lights.
Do not stop in a live motorway lane unless it is absolutely necessary.
2. Get Yourself & Your Passengers Safe
If your vehicle is stopped somewhere safe and you can safely leave it, exit from the side furthest away from moving traffic.
Keep passengers away from the carriageway and get behind a safety barrier where one is available and it is safe to do so.
Once you are somewhere safe, do not return to the vehicle to wait.
You should also avoid attempting repairs at the roadside on a motorway.
IMPORTANT
If you are stopped in a live traffic lane and cannot safely leave the vehicle:
Keep your hazard lights on.
Keep your seatbelt on.
Stay in the vehicle.
Call 999 immediately and ask for the police.
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3. Work Out Exactly Where You Are
Knowing your exact location makes it much easier to get the right help to you.
If you are on the M11, useful information includes:
• Your nearest junction
• Your direction of travel
• A motorway marker post or driver location sign
• Your location from your phone’s mapping app
If you’re close to Harlow, you may be near M11 Junction 7 or Junction 7A.
When contacting Quick Pick Me Up Recovery, sending your location through WhatsApp is an easy way to tell us where you are.
4. Arrange Vehicle Recovery
Once you are safe, you can arrange for your vehicle to be recovered.
Quick Pick Me Up Recovery provides 24 hour M11 vehicle recovery for cars, vans and suitable light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
When you call or WhatsApp, tell us:
• Your exact location or nearest M11 junction
• Whether you’re travelling northbound or southbound
• Your vehicle make and model
• What has happened
• Where you need the vehicle taken
Depending on what you need, your vehicle can be transported to your home, a garage, workplace or another suitable destination.
NEED RECOVERY ON THE M11?
Quick Pick Me Up Recovery provides 24 hour vehicle recovery on the M11 and surrounding roads.
5. Where Can Your Vehicle Be Taken?
Vehicle recovery doesn’t necessarily mean taking the vehicle to the nearest garage.
Depending on your situation, we can transport your vehicle to a garage, your home, your workplace or another suitable destination.
We also provide vehicle transport and longer-distance recovery if your destination is further away.
For drivers around Harlow, we also provide dedicated vehicle recovery in Harlow, including local breakdowns and journeys connecting with the M11.
Before Your Next Motorway Journey
A few simple checks before a long journey can reduce the chances of an avoidable breakdown.
Check your fuel or charge level, tyres and dashboard warning lights before setting off.
It’s also sensible to carry a charged mobile phone, warm clothing, a torch, water and any medication you may need.
Most importantly, if your vehicle develops a problem while you’re driving, don’t ignore it until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If it is safe to continue, leave the motorway at the next junction or service area.
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Quick Pick Me Up Recovery covers the M11, Harlow and surrounding areas.
M11 Breakdown FAQs
What should I do first if I break down on the M11?
If your vehicle can still be driven safely, leave the motorway at the next junction or service area. If you cannot leave, move left into an emergency area, lay-by or hard shoulder where available, stop as far left as possible and switch on your hazard warning lights.
Should I get out of my vehicle after breaking down on the M11?
If your vehicle is stopped somewhere safe and you can leave safely, exit from the side furthest from moving traffic and move behind a safety barrier where one is available. If you are stopped in a live lane and cannot safely leave the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on, stay inside and call 999.
What information should I give a recovery driver?
Give your exact location, nearest junction, direction of travel, vehicle make and model, what has happened and where you need the vehicle taken.
Do you provide 24 hour recovery on the M11?
Yes. Quick Pick Me Up Recovery provides 24 hour vehicle recovery on the M11 and surrounding routes.
Can you recover cars and vans from the M11?
Yes. We recover cars, vans and suitable light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Can you take my vehicle to my own garage?
Yes. Depending on the job, your vehicle can be transported to your home, garage, workplace or another suitable destination.
