How we can help in Blackburn
Vehicle recovery in Blackburn
The M65 skirts the south of the town. Junction 6 is on the eastern edge near Intack and Whitebirk; Junction 5 is at Guide; Junction 4 at Earcroft, near Lower Darwen, is where the A666 comes in; and Junction 3 is at Feniscowles on the south-western side. Heading west, the M65 links up with the M61 and then the M6 near Preston. This section opened in 1997 as the Blackburn southern bypass, and National Highways looks after it. When you call, tell us which junction you last passed and whether you were heading for Preston or Burnley.
The A666 is the main north to south road. It comes up from Darwen as Bolton Road, runs through the centre and carries on north to the A59 at Langho. The A677 Preston New Road runs west out of town towards Mellor Brook and the A59. Around the centre, Barbara Castle Way forms part of the A6078 orbital route, from Montague Street round to the Eanam roundabout.
The hills matter here. Many of the older terraced streets are steep and narrow, with cars parked both sides, and a flatbed may not get alongside. Tell us if the street is tight or if there's a better spot at the end of the road to meet the truck. The high ground between Blackburn and Darwen gets ice and fog in winter, so say whether you've pulled onto a verge.
Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital is on Haslingden Road, and its car parks see their share of flat batteries after long visits. In town, the Feilden Street multi-storey is another usual spot. If you're somewhere on the ring of estates above the town, a landmark such as a school, pub or church helps the driver more than a house number. A recovered car can go to a local garage, back home, or further afield.
Roads & areas we cover around Blackburn
Why Blackburn drivers choose BlueLine
Recovering something other than a car
Different vehicles need different trucks and different handling. These explain how each one is done.
Blackburn recovery & roadside FAQs
I've broken down on the M65 near Guide. What do you need to know?
The last junction you passed, which way you were going, and the number on the nearest blue driver location sign if you can see one safely. Get out by the left-hand door and wait behind the barrier while you call. If you've stopped in a live lane and can't get out safely, stay belted in with hazards on and ring 999.
My street is steep and narrow. Can a recovery truck still get to my car?
Often it can, but tell us about the street when you call. If a flatbed can't get alongside, the driver may need to winch from the end of the road or ask you to meet at a wider spot. If it's only a flat battery, a jump start or new battery at the kerb avoids moving the car at all.
My car's broken down on the road over to Darwen in the fog. What should I do?
Get off the carriageway onto a verge or lay-by if you can, put your hazards on and get everyone out and away from the traffic side. Tell us the nearest landmark, junction or house, and we'll send the nearest truck.
Can you collect a car from Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital?
Yes. Tell us which car park and roughly where the car is. If it's a battery, we'll usually fix it on the spot rather than take it away.
Is a Blackburn recovery priced before you send the truck?
Always. We ask where the car is, what it is, whether it rolls and where it's going, then give you one figure to agree. There's no subscription.