How we can help in Grays
Vehicle recovery in Grays
Leaving the M25 at Junction 30, the A13 heads east on a flyover and then through a run of junctions that all sound alike when you're stressed: the A1306, the A126 for Lakeside, the A1012 for Grays, and the A1089 for Tilbury, where the A13 stops being a trunk road. Tell us which one you last passed and which way you were going. Beyond that it runs on past Stanford-le-Hope towards Basildon.
The M25 itself has two junctions here. Junction 30 is the A13, and Junction 31 is the A1306 for West Thurrock, both signed for Lakeside. Between Junctions 27 and 30 the M25 is a controlled motorway with a hard shoulder still in place. South of Junction 31 the road becomes the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing, which is classed as a trunk road, not a motorway. Northbound traffic comes through the tunnels and southbound traffic goes over the QEII Bridge.
If you break down on the bridge or in the tunnels, you won't be recovered by us. The crossing has its own National Highways control room, traffic officers and recovery teams, who move stranded vehicles to a place of safety. Once you've been dropped, call us with that location and we'll collect the vehicle from there.
Lakeside has close to 12,000 parking spaces across several car parks, including the red car park, plus Lakeside Retail Park next door, so the car park name and nearest entrance are essential. The A126 London Road links Grays town centre with Lakeside, Purfleet and Tilbury, and Chafford Hundred station serves the shopping centre.
In Grays itself, the High Street level crossing by the station was closed to road traffic in 1975, and cars use an overbridge instead, so tell us which side of the railway you're on. A recovered vehicle can go to a Thurrock garage, home, or across the river into Kent.
Roads & areas we cover around Grays
Why Grays drivers choose BlueLine
Recovering something other than a car
Different vehicles need different trucks and different handling. These explain how each one is done.
Grays recovery & roadside FAQs
I've broken down in the Dartford tunnel heading north. Can you come and get me?
Not inside the crossing. The tunnels and bridge are run by National Highways, which has its own control room and recovery teams on site. If you've stopped in the left lane and it's safe, leave by the left-hand door and use an emergency phone; if you can't get out safely, stay in the car with your seat belt on and hazards flashing. Their team will move you to a place of safety. Then call or WhatsApp 07944 820302 and we'll collect the car from there.
My car won't start in a Lakeside car park. What do you need?
The car park name or colour, the nearest store or entrance, and the level if it's a deck. Tell us the make and model and whether it's a hybrid or electric. With close to 12,000 spaces, 'Lakeside' on its own isn't enough to find you.
Which A13 junction should I give you?
The last one you passed: the A1306, the A126 for Lakeside, the A1012 for Grays or the A1089 for Tilbury. Say which way you're heading. If you've stopped on the A13, get out on the verge side and behind the barrier if there is one; if you're stuck in a live lane, call 999 first.
Can you take my car from Grays to a garage in Kent?
Yes. The truck crosses the Thames like any other vehicle, and the price we agree before dispatch covers the full journey. Have the garage's address or postcode ready.
What goes into the price for a Thurrock recovery?
Where the vehicle is, what it is, whether it can roll and steer, and where it's going. You agree one figure before the truck leaves.