A500 and M6 crashes as The Motorway returns to Channel 5
Crashes on the A500 are to feature in the latest series of a hit Channel 5 show. The Motorway - which returns at 8pm on Monday, September, 25 - will include footage from the A500.
Footage from the M6 will include a loose sheep, runaway dog Ruby and a broken-down vehicle. The programme follows the work of National Highways.
Aries Banton works as a traffic officer operating from the M6 Hilton Park services in Staffordshire.
He said: “There’s no greater reward than seeing someone walk away happy after we’ve helped them. Very often when we come across someone in difficulty they can be upset, anxious or distressed, but they see our flashing beacons coming up behind them and there's instant relief that help is at hand. It’s a great feeling.
“I really enjoyed being part of the filming process. There was good rapport with the film crew and eventually you forget they’re there. Volunteering to be in the show was important for me as it’s a great way to show people the vital work we do to ensure the motorways are kept running and why we sometimes have to close lanes or reduce speed limits to keep everyone safe.”
Control room operator Drew Wilson will appear in the episodes as he dispatches crews to a broken-down vehicle on the M6 and a van which has run out of fuel.
He said: “I love the job. Every day is different. Every day you’re helping someone new and that’s what makes it brilliant.
“I like that this documentary shows people what goes on behind the scenes in the control room. It’s the side people don’t see. They might see the traffic officers out on the road dealing with an incident, but they don’t see the control room staff juggling more than one incident, despatching crews, setting signals, liaising with the police and dealing with sometimes distressing calls from members of the public.
“I think it will be a real eye-opener for people to see the highs and the lows, to experience the bigger picture and to hopefully bring a realisation that we don’t close roads without an exceptionally good reason. It’s all done to keep people safe.”
National Highways has embraced the return of the film crews.
Customer service director Andy Butterfield said: “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.”
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References
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