AA

Its been a long time since I had seen the Automobile Association's black and yellow call boxes were once a common sight on the UK's major roads, with a network of over 1,000 boxes at one time.

The first AA 'sentry box' was built in 1911, and initially the boxes provided a base for a patrol-man between emergency calls. In later years, the boxes (later known as 'call boxes') provided a means for AA members to seek assistance, and to shelter from weather while waiting for that assistance. The boxes were lit by oil lamps by night, and had maps, a fire extinguisher and a telephone available for members' use. Members were issued with a key that was standard for all AA boxes.