How we can help in Newcastle upon Tyne
Vehicle recovery in Newcastle upon Tyne
The A1 swings round the western side of the city and on through Gateshead, forming the Western Bypass that most through traffic uses. In the middle of the city, the A167(M) Central Motorway runs for just over a mile at 50 mph. Some of its slip roads join and leave from the outside lane, which catches out drivers who don't know it. The A167 continues south over the Tyne Bridge, which is under restoration with works running towards its centenary in 2028, and north to Kenton Bar, where it meets the A1.
Seven miles east of the city, the A19 goes under the river through the Tyne Tunnels between Howdon and Jarrow. The 1967 tunnel carries northbound traffic and the newer one carries southbound. The tunnels are run by TT2, and TT2 handles every breakdown inside them itself, because a stopped vehicle has to be moved quickly. It recovers vehicles to a place of safety on its own property and charges for doing so, currently £100 an hour. Before leaving your vehicle there, you must report to a uniformed TT2 officer. Once your car has been taken to that place of safety, call us and we'll collect it from there. Tolling is barrier-free, and you pay by midnight the next day.
The Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone covers most of the city centre and the Tyne, Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges. Private cars aren't charged. Older non-compliant vans, taxis, buses, coaches and lorries are.
Inside the city, the RVI is the major trauma centre and the Freeman in Heaton has no emergency department. Eldon Square has a 497-space car park and Eldon Garden another 445. Across the river at Dunston, the Metrocentre has almost 10,000 spaces, so the entrance and the nearest shop matter when you call. A recovered vehicle can go to a garage on either bank, to your home or further afield.
Roads & areas we cover around Newcastle upon Tyne
Why Newcastle upon Tyne drivers choose BlueLine
Recovering something other than a car
Different vehicles need different trucks and different handling. These explain how each one is done.
Newcastle upon Tyne recovery & roadside FAQs
I've broken down in the Tyne Tunnel. Can you come and get me?
Not inside the tunnel. TT2, which runs the tunnels, deals with every breakdown there and moves the vehicle to a place of safety on its own property. It charges for that service, currently £100 an hour. Report to a uniformed TT2 officer before you leave the vehicle. Then call or WhatsApp 07944 820302 and we'll collect the car from where TT2 has put it.
Does the Newcastle Clean Air Zone affect my car being recovered?
Private cars aren't charged in the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone. Older vans, taxis, buses, coaches and lorries that don't meet the standard can be. If your vehicle is a van and it's going to a garage in the zone, check it on the government's vehicle checker first.
I've broken down on the Central Motorway. What should I do?
Put your hazards on and, if it's safe, get everyone out and well away from the traffic. Tell us which direction you were heading and the last junction you passed. The slip roads are close together and some come off the outside lane, so be precise. If you can't get out safely, stay belted in and call 999 first.
My car won't start at the Metrocentre. What information do you need?
The entrance or the nearest shop, and which part of the car park you're in. With almost 10,000 spaces, 'the Metrocentre' on its own isn't enough to find you. Tell us the make and model and whether it's a hybrid, since a jump start or a new battery can usually be done where it's parked.
Can you take my car from Newcastle to a garage in Sunderland or Durham?
Yes. Give us the address when you call, and the price you agree before dispatch covers the whole trip, including any river crossing.