THE team that keeps Warrington’s motorway network moving is being featured in a documentary shown on TV screens across the country.
Traffic officers and control room operators based at the Rob Lane hub in Newton-le-Willows are starring in Channel 5’s latest series looking at the work of National Highways.
The Motorway, which airs on Monday evenings at 8pm, is the second series of the popular programme which goes behind the scenes with those who operate, maintain and improve the region’s motorways and major A-roads.
Crews from production company Fearless Television spent three months filming with the Newton team, as well as other locations, with a focus on the M62 and adjoining motorways.
Traffic officer Steven Clague can be seen in a number of episodes managing incidents and helping road users who have got into difficulty.
Traffic officer Steven Clague (Image: Channel 5/Fearless Television)
He said: “I have been with the company for almost eight years, and after spending just under four years in the control room I transferred on road.
“The upcoming series will highlight the vast amount of different types of incidents we deal with, which is one reason why many of us love the job.
“The variety in day-to-day work certainly makes it more difficult, but also much more worthwhile, and letting the nation see this will be important in highlighting the hard work that goes on.”
Liam Bedford, who works as an operations centre operator, commented: “The new series will be a fantastic way to show the public exactly what National Highways does, both in the control room and out on the road.
“We are here 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure all our customers travel as safely as possible on the network, and to assist them with any problems they may encounter.
Liam Bedford, who works as an operations centre operator (Image: Channel 5/Fearless Television)
“Our officers are out there day or night, whatever the weather, and they do an amazing job. It is a partnership between the control room and our on-road colleagues, and we would not be able to operate without them.”
National Highways customer service director Mel Clarke added: “The new series of The Motorway shines a light on the sterling work that goes on around the clock to keep the strategic road network running.
“It shows the complexities of the incidents we deal with on an everyday basis and the challenges we face in keeping our customers on the move.
“We hope people enjoy watching the eight new episodes and get an appreciation of just what goes into the day to day running of our motorways.”
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