Rail / road / coast
Railways, motorways and major roads, and coastal or sea emergencies.
Danger on the railway, road or at the coast?
For a person, animal or object on or near the railway, a damaged crossing or a vehicle that has struck a bridge, call Network Rail's 24/7 emergency helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For a coastal or sea emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Match your report to the right body: crime and antisocial behaviour go to the police (British Transport Police for the railway), while infrastructure hazards go to the relevant operator.
Rail, roads, coast and transport
| Incident | Report to | Contact / area |
|---|---|---|
| Crime, antisocial behaviour or suspicious activity on trains/stations | British Transport Police | Non-emergency: 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016; emergency: 999 |
| Person/animal/object on or near railway; damaged crossing; vehicle struck bridge; dangerous fence/gate | Network Rail | 24/7 emergency helpline: 03457 11 41 41 |
| Motorway / major A-road hazard in England | National Highways | 0300 123 5000 — 24/7 |
| Motorway / trunk-road issue in Wales | Traffic Wales | 0300 123 1213; emergency 999 |
| Motorway / trunk-road issue in Scotland | Traffic Scotland | 0800 028 1414 — 24/7 |
| Road fault in Northern Ireland | DfI Roads | Online fault reporting; serious safety threat 0300 200 7899 |
| Pothole, streetlight, local-road defect | Relevant local council / highway authority | Use the GOV.UK local-council finder; immediate life danger 999 |
| Coastal / sea emergency | HM Coastguard | 999 and ask for Coastguard; at sea VHF Channel 16 |
| Marine pollution / oil spill | HM Coastguard / Maritime and Coastguard Agency | Report promptly to local Coastguard; emergency 999 where applicable |
Official sources
All reporting topicsLast verified 28 September 2026