Ditch & verge.Recovery.Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Tell us how the vehicle is sitting

Describe whether the vehicle is upright, leaning, on its side or resting on its underside. Explain how far it is from the carriageway and whether there is a steep bank, water, a fence, trees or another obstruction.

Wide photos are more useful than a close-up of a wheel, but take them only if you can do so safely. Tell us if traffic is passing close by or the vehicle could move. If anyone is injured, trapped or in immediate danger, call 999.

We assess the access, stability and equipment needed before confirming a recovery. Some positions need specialist equipment beyond a straightforward pull-out; send the details so we can establish what is suitable.

Ice, snow & soft ground change the approach

A snowy road edge can hide a ditch, soft verge or drop. The surface where the recovery vehicle must work matters as much as the surface beneath the stranded vehicle.

Tell us about ice, snow drifts, standing water, a narrow road, an unstable bank or previous attempts to recover the vehicle. We assess the direction of extraction and the working space rather than assuming a direct pull will be suitable.

If the vehicle is still upright on an accessible surface and mainly stuck in snow, see snow pull-outs. For mud or a private track, see off-road recovery.

Damaged wheels, steering or suspension

Tell us if a wheel is missing, a tyre is damaged, the steering does not work or the vehicle will not roll. Include any fluid leak, underbody damage or warning lights you already know about.

These details help us assess the equipment and loading method. Moving the vehicle out of a ditch does not establish that it is roadworthy. If it cannot be moved safely under its own power, we can assess suitable transport to a garage or bodyshop as part of the job.

For collision damage, read about our accident recovery service. Tell us if an insurer, police officer or another recovery provider is already involved so arrangements can be checked.

Agree the extraction & onward recovery together

A ditch recovery quote depends on the position and stability of the vehicle, road access, travel, equipment, working time and any damage affecting loading. The destination and distance for onward transport also matter.

Call with the details so we can explain the proposed work and price before you agree. If the conditions change or additional work is needed, we discuss that with you. Do not assume that extraction alone includes delivery to a garage or storage.

Aberdeenshire roads, villages & rural locations

We cover Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, including Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Mintlaw, Ellon, Inverurie, Turriff and Banff, plus surrounding villages and suitable rural access roads.

Your arrival estimate starts from wherever our recovery vehicle is working. Snow, ice, blocked roads, visibility and current jobs affect the route and timing. Call for the current position and a realistic winter ETA; access cannot be guaranteed during severe weather.

What to send when you have slipped off the road

• Your map pin, road name or nearest junction, and a callback number.
• Vehicle registration, make and model, and whether it is a car, van or 4x4.
• Wide photos of the vehicle position and approach, taken only if safe.
• Whether the vehicle rolls and steers, and any visible damage or warning lights.
• Snow depth, slope, narrow gates, road closures and any access restrictions.
• Your preferred destination if the vehicle needs onward transport.

Add which side of the road you are on, any visible hazards and whether anyone is waiting with the vehicle. The winter recovery request form includes options for slipping on ice, going off the road and a crash. Call for urgent assistance; a form submission is not confirmation of dispatch.