Broken Down on the A71?
Broken down on the A71? We'll connect you with an available local recovery operator, wherever you are on it.
If you're on a live carriageway
- Get the vehicle as far left as you can and put your hazards on.
- Leave by the left-hand doors and get behind the barrier, away from traffic.
- Do not attempt repairs at the roadside on a fast road.
- Call us — and if you are in immediate danger, call 999 first.
The A71 runs from Irvine on the coast, through Kilmarnock, up the Irvine Valley through Galston, Newmilns and Darvel, and then climbs over the moors towards Strathaven, Lanarkshire and eventually Edinburgh.
The road has two very different halves. West of Kilmarnock, towards Irvine, it's busy commuter traffic. Through the valley it runs along the floor of the glen, tight in places, through the towns.
East of Darvel it climbs onto high, exposed moorland — and that's the section that catches people out. It gets weather earlier and worse than anywhere else on the road: ice, drifting snow, standing water, fog. Mobile signal is patchy. There are stretches with no houses, no lay-bys and nowhere to go.
If you break down on the moor section in winter, stay in the car if it's safe, keep your hazards on, and don't try to walk anywhere. If your call won't connect, keep trying as you move — the signal comes and goes.
The valley stretch is well covered and usually quick. The moor section takes longer, whoever you call.
Request a callback
In a hurry? Call 07534136109 — we answer 24/7 and we'll connect you with a local operator. Or leave your details and we'll call you straight back.