M62 Motorway Breakdown: Greater Manchester Recovery Guide

The M62 is a 107-mile motorway running from Liverpool to Hull, but its passage through Greater Manchester — from junction 12 near Eccles east to junction 22 near Rochdale — is among the most operationally critical sections in the North West. With three active junctions connecting it to the M60 ring road and consistently high HGV and commuter traffic, the M62 in Greater Manchester sees a significant proportion of our motorway recovery callouts every week.

Hard Shoulder Safety on the M62

The M62 through Greater Manchester retains a traditional hard shoulder on most sections — unlike some sections of the M60 which have been converted to smart motorway All Lane Running. When you break down, coast to the hard shoulder as far left as possible. Switch your hazard lights on immediately. Exit via the nearside (passenger side) door only and get behind the barrier. The M62 carries significant HGV traffic, and lorries travelling at motorway speed with crosswind correction can drift close to the hard shoulder edge.

Weather Conditions on the M62

The M62 rises to over 1,200 feet above sea level between junctions 22 and 23 near Saddleworth — the highest point of any motorway in England. Even in the Greater Manchester sections west of this, the elevated sections between junctions 20 and 22 above Rochdale are significantly more exposed to wind, rain, fog, and ice than the lowland sections of the M60. Our recovery teams carry appropriate cold and wet weather equipment and are experienced in operating in adverse conditions on the M62.