How we can help in Portsmouth
Vehicle recovery in Portsmouth
The M275 is the main way in. It leaves the M27 at Junction 12 and continues as the A3 into the city, and it was never built with a full hard shoulder: signs on the way in warn that there is none for two miles, and only a narrow verge runs alongside. Unusually, it isn't run by National Highways: Portsmouth City Council manages it beyond the M27 slip roads. If a car fails on it, get everyone out on the left and behind the barrier if that is safe. If it isn't, stay belted in with the hazards on and call 999.
On the mainland, the M27 between Junctions 4 and 11 is an all-lane-running smart motorway, with the old hard shoulder now a permanent fourth lane. Aim for an emergency area if the car is failing. Junction 12 is where the M275 begins and where the A27 heads east towards the A3(M) and Havant.
The ferries bring in a lot of drivers who don't know the city. Portsmouth International Port sits right on the M275; heading south, the exit for cruise and cross-Channel ferries is Junction 2, near the Rudmore roundabout, and Brittany Ferries and Condor sail from there. The Wightlink car ferry to Fishbourne uses its own terminal at Gunwharf in Old Portsmouth, and the hovercraft to Ryde leaves from Southsea. A car that dies in a check-in lane is for port staff first; then tell us the terminal and lane.
In the city, Gunwharf Quays, Commercial Road and the Cascades centre are common places to find a flat battery. Queen Alexandra Hospital at Cosham, off Southwick Hill Road, has a multi-storey at the main entrance and a newer one on the north side with number-plate recognition.
Portsmouth's Clean Air Zone is class B. It charges non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, buses and coaches, but private cars and vans pay nothing, so it won't affect where your car is taken.
Roads & areas we cover around Portsmouth
Why Portsmouth drivers choose BlueLine
Recovering something other than a car
Different vehicles need different trucks and different handling. These explain how each one is done.
Portsmouth recovery & roadside FAQs
I've broken down on the M275 and there's no hard shoulder. What should I do?
If you can reach the verge, stop as far left as possible, put your hazards on and get everyone out on the left and behind the barrier. If you've stopped in a running lane and can't get out safely, stay belted in and call 999 first. Once you're safe, call or WhatsApp 07944 820302 and tell us which direction you were going and how far from the M27 or the port exit you are.
My car won't start in the ferry queue at Portsmouth International Port. Can you help?
Tell the port staff first, as they'll need to manage the lane. Then call us with the terminal, the lane and the make and model. Often a jump start is enough to get you on board or out of the queue; if not, we'll arrange recovery from wherever the port moves the car.
Will the Clean Air Zone charge me when my car is recovered in Portsmouth?
Not if it's a private car or van. Portsmouth's zone only charges non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, buses and coaches. If you drive a taxi or private hire car, check it on the government vehicle checker before you plan the route back.
Can you jump start a car on a Southsea street?
Usually, yes. Tell us the street and the nearest junction, and if you're parked in a residents' bay or on a main road. A flat battery on a terraced street is one of the most common jobs, and most cars start from a proper booster pack.
Can you take my car from Portsmouth to a garage on the mainland?
Yes, whether that's Fareham, Havant, Southampton or further. Give us the address when you call and the agreed price covers the full journey off the island.