Channel 5’s hit documentary following the work of National Highways is back for a third series. The Motorway, which airs at 8pm on Monday nights starting on 25 September, takes a fly on the wall approach to the workings of the company responsible for operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A roads in England. 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. National Highways staff can be seen dealing with multi-vehicle collisions, car fires, breakdowns, debris and escaped animals. The programme also follows maintenance crews as they carry out resurfacing and litter picking and features the team responsible for taking calls from the public in the customer contact centre. Viewers will also be able to see how National Highways works with the police and other agencies such as the DVSA to keep roads safe and later in the series can find out how the organisation plans for severe winter weather. One of the Traffic Officers featured in several episodes of the new series is Victoria Wilde who is based at the Milnrow outstation in the North West. Victoria, who also took part in the second series, said: “I really enjoyed taking part as it gives the public a better understanding and insight into who we are rather than people just seeing our vehicles, 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 about us the easier it will be for us to work and support them as they travel along our roads. “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.” Drew Wilson is a control room operator in the West Midlands Regional Operations Centre and can be seen managing incidents and supporting his on-road traffic officer colleagues.
Drew Wilson 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 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.” Executive Producer for Fearless Television Amanda Murray said: "It was great to get back on the road with the brilliant staff at National Highways, working on some of the busiest motorways in Britain. “The Motorway sees how expert staff in control rooms, call centres and out on the road all work together to keep our motorways running smoothly - dealing with everything from swans and sheep that bring the motorway to a standstill, to multiple car pile ups, overnight roadworks, upturned trucks in treacherous weather, car fires and breakdowns. “Packed with drama and stories of rescue, it’s the dedicated team at National Highways who approach their work with such vigour and care for the general public, that makes for such an illuminating, engaging and entertaining series with great characters at its heart." Commissioning Editor, Channel 5 and Paramount +, Lucy Willis, said: 'We’re delighted that The Motorway is coming back for a third series on Channel 5. “With privileged access to one of Britain’s most important organisations, I'm sure this observational series will continue to draw a wide audience as it takes us into the fascinating inner workings of National Highways to bring us heartwarming, dramatic and entertaining TV.” The Motorway can be seen on Channel 5 at 8pm on Mondays from 25 September and is also available on My5.
Comments