A TRAFFIC operator at Highways England's regional control centre in Newton-le-Willows will feature in a TV documentary to be screened from later this month.
Traffic officers and control room operators from across the North West are to feature in the latest series of Channel 5’s documentary looking at the work of National Highways.
The Motorway, which airs at 8pm from Monday, September 25, is the third series of the popular programme which goes behind the scenes at the company responsible for operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A roads in England.
READ > Date of St Helens' Wilko store's closure confirmed
Crews from production company Fearless Television spent four months filming with traffic officers, control room operators, maintenance crews, customer service teams safety representatives and contractors across the North West and West Midlands.
The new series, which is made up of 20 episodes, shows how traffic officers and the control room deal with a range of incidents including helping two women and a toddler whose car was hit by an HGV near Eccles, a vehicle fire on the M60, a number of road traffic collisions, a swan on the loose on the M62 and the collection of dangerous debris.
It also shows the dangers involved in responding to incidents when two traffic officers are driven at by an impatient driver as they try to release traffic trapped in the aftermath of a collision.
It’s not the first time the North West has featured in the show. Staff were also in series two of the popular programme which aired last year and viewers will see the return of several familiar faces including traffic officer Victoria Wilde.
Vic, as she’s more commonly known among her colleagues, can be seen in a number of episodes managing incidents and helping road users who have got into difficulty.
She said: “I really enjoyed doing the Channel 5 documentary as it gives the public a better understanding and insight into who we are rather than people just seeing our vehicles out on the road maybe, but not quite knowing what we do.
“For me being part of the series is all about helping educate people around our role, and I feel the more people know the easier it will be for us to work and support them as they travel along our roads.
“We are here to help them out of any difficult situations and keep them safe and the traffic flowing on our motorways, and the new series will hopefully give them an appreciation of the importance of what we do.
“I think it takes a certain kind of person to do our job.
“I always think that if it was my mum, my dad, my sister or any family member in a bad situation, I would hope somebody like me was there to make things better, or as best as it can be. I always think about it like that, as whoever I am helping, they are always somebody’s someone.”
Vic joked she wasn’t especially looking forward to seeing herself on television, but said she was really looking forward to watching all the episodes.
“It will be unusual seeing myself on TV, especially when I had to chase a swan down a road, which happened on one of the call-outs we had.”
Far more common than live swans blocking the carriageway is dealing with debris across the roads and Vic is shown clearing sodden cardboard in another incident.
“Things like that are a more common hazard than swans, but it highlights the importance of people securing loads that they might be carrying, whether it is vans or in cars. Something like that in the road can cause other drivers to swerve suddenly or a motorcycle to have skidded and come off their bike, so can be a major hazard.”
He features in several of the new episodes including the first, dispatching crews and managing incidents including a vehicle fire on the M60 near Manchester, a collision between a tanker and four cars on the M62 near Rochdale and Victoria’s errant swan.
He said: “I feel I really struck lucky with this job. I came into it after working in a warehouse and thought it would be like a call centre but it’s so much more than that and it will be great for the public to see exactly what goes on behind the scenes on a busy shift.
“I think a lot of people don’t realise what we do. When I tell people where I work they just think I'm the annoying person who sets lower speeds on the motorway, but they don’t see why those speeds are in place for their safety and those of my colleagues out on the road. They don’t see us dealing with multiple incidents, despatching traffic officers and maintenance crews, setting signals, or talking to the emergency services to co-ordinate our response.”
In a number of episodes, Tom can be seen setting Red Xs across lanes to protect the public and traffic officers after collisions. In many cases vehicles are seen ignoring that Red X.
Tom added: "It is so frustrating, and slightly baffling, when people choose to ignore those signals. We close lanes for a reason – safety. There's an emergency ahead but people still choose to use a lane with a Red X, not comprehending that they’re putting themselves, other road users and our staff in danger. We need people to respect that Red X and the series will hopefully educate people around that.”
Tom is looking forward to watching the show.
He said: “I’d only just started working here when Fearless were filming the second series but it was great to watch it with my mum and dad so they could understand the work I would be doing. I really enjoyed the programme so when I found out they were looking for volunteers to be in the third series, I jumped at the chance to be part of it. Now my mum and dad will be able to see me really in the thick of it.”
National Highways Customer Service Director Andy Butterfield added: “Our colleagues do an amazing job in keeping our motorways running and helping road users. They’re faced with major challenges, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the new series of The Motorway demonstrates this perfectly, shining a light on the sterling work that goes on to keep our customers on the move.
“We received very positive feedback on the first two series from people who didn’t realise the complexities and dangers our staff face on the road, whether that be dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident or running the risk of being injured by drivers ignoring the Red X which has closed a lane for safety. It gave them a better understanding and appreciation of our role which is why we were delighted to welcome Fearless Television back for a third time.
“We hope people enjoy watching the new episodes.”
- The Motorway can be seen on Channel 5 at 8pm on Mondays from September 25 and is also available on My5.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel