Recovery During Major Weather Events: Everything you need to know

During severe weather conditions like heavy snow, flooding, or storms, vehicle recovery operators play a critical role in keeping the UK’s roads moving and helping stranded motorists. If motorists know how to drive in bad weather, they are less likely to encounter issues.

These challenging situations require specialist skills, equipment, and safety considerations beyond normal recovery operations.

Professional recovery operators must carefully assess each situation during extreme weather. For example, during flooding, they need to consider water depth, flow rates, and potential hidden hazards before attempting a recovery; it is usually better to wait until the flood has subsided completely before recovering the vehicle unless the vehicle is causing a danger. The Road Recovery Vehicles section of the Special Types General Order sets out specific requirements for recovery vehicles, including a maximum axle weight of 12,500 kg and restrictions on towing distances when using drawbars or lift-and-tow methods.

Communication and coordination with emergency services become especially important during major weather events. Recovery operators often work alongside police, fire, and rescue services as part of a coordinated response. According to guidance from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, recovery vehicles must be fitted with amber warning beacons, which should be illuminated when stationary at breakdown scenes or when unable to maintain appropriate road speeds.

Safety considerations extend to both recovery operators and broken-down vehicle occupants. During severe weather, the Highway Code advises that broken-down vehicles should be moved to a place of safety where possible. Recovery operators need to ensure they have appropriate personal protective equipment and that their vehicles are properly equipped for the conditions, including items like additional lighting, warning triangles, and first aid equipment.

The physical challenges of recovery work increase significantly in adverse weather. For example, when recovering vehicles from snow or icy conditions, operators need to consider reduced traction, the risk of sliding, and potential damage to recovery equipment. They must also be mindful of speed restrictions; recovery vehicles carrying or towing broken-down vehicles are limited to 40 mph on motorways and 30 mph on other roads.

Weather events can lead to surges in demand for recovery services. Operators need effective systems for prioritising calls, particularly for vulnerable motorists or those in dangerous locations. They should maintain clear communication with customers about expected response times and any potential delays due to conditions.

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the UK means recovery operators must continue adapting their approaches and equipment. This includes ensuring staff are properly trained for various weather scenarios and that vehicles are maintained to cope with challenging conditions. Regular reviews of risk assessments and operating procedures help ensure safe and effective recovery operations regardless of the weather conditions.

By following established safety protocols and adapting to conditions, recovery operators provide an essential service during major weather events, helping to minimise disruption and keep road users safe. Their expertise and specialist equipment prove invaluable when normal travel becomes hazardous or impossible due to severe weather.