0:00:02 > 0:00:04The A1 - Britain's longest road...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09..stretching almost 400 miles from the City of London
0:00:09 > 0:00:11to the heart of the Scottish capital.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Connecting two nations and passing through 18 counties,
0:00:16 > 0:00:18it's an unrivalled highway
0:00:18 > 0:00:21used by hundreds of thousands of vehicles every day.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24We're going southbound down the A1,
0:00:24 > 0:00:26on the northbound carriageway.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29But not all journeys go to plan.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34I thought, "I am going to lose my life."
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Cars are coming close.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38It is a dangerous place to be.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Lives can hang in the balance.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44The rear end of that vehicle is unrecognisable.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46This is actually the bodywork of the car.
0:00:47 > 0:00:4924 hours a day...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's not a safe place here.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55..there's a team of people who keep us safe from harm.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56The police...
0:00:58 > 0:00:59..response teams...
0:00:59 > 0:01:01We don't know whether we've got the road closed, or...
0:01:01 > 0:01:03We don't know what's happened.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05..and traffic officers.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Keep going.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Keeping Britain's most iconic road...
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- Get out!- ..on the move.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Substantially damaged flatbed truck in lane two.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21The A1, the monster that it is, will start to return to normal.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Coming up -
0:01:27 > 0:01:30a runaway van crashes down an embankment...
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- Police are all in the slip, so... - We need to keep going.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36..and leaves the A1 in total gridlock.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41The race to get to a multiple crash near Newcastle.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Injuries sustained in road traffic collisions
0:01:44 > 0:01:47are quite often life-changing.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54And transporting a luxury liner, the driver who's all at sea on the A1.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56We've missed our exit.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Not good.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05At nearly 400 miles long,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09the A1 runs through country more diverse than any other British road.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13From the heart of London, it heads north, past Peterborough,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18Grantham and the industrial heartlands of Leeds and Newcastle.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20In all, it sees 18 counties
0:02:20 > 0:02:23before it finally ends in the city of Edinburgh.
0:02:26 > 0:02:307:30am, rush hour, near Newcastle,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34and while thousands of commuters slowly edge their way to work,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38an emergency call means A1 patrol officer PC Alan Keenleyside
0:02:38 > 0:02:43needs to quickly jump the queue.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48At the moment, we're right at the start of
0:02:48 > 0:02:51morning rush hour on a Tuesday morning,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53two Celsius, we've got freezing fog.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56We've just had a report that the A1 is blocked southbound.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03But it's what's blocking the road which is worrying Alan -
0:03:03 > 0:03:06there's been a three-car pile-up in the fast lane and the potential
0:03:06 > 0:03:08for injuries is massive.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13A real priority here is to get to the scene, to assess any injuries,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16try to get this road opened as quickly as possible.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23My own personal fear is always the level of injury,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26that people aren't too badly injured. Cars can be replaced,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30vehicles can be replaced, people can't.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35Injuries sustained in road-traffic collisions are quite often
0:03:35 > 0:03:37life-changing and life-lasting.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Alan's colleagues and firefighters are already at the scene.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Two of the cars have crashed into each other in the fast lane,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52causing some serious damage, and a third vehicle, a silver Kia,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55has ended up 50 yards down the road.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00What we are looking at now is a collision, which is reasonably
0:04:00 > 0:04:01typical of rush-hour traffic.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Three vehicles have been travelling in the fast lane.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06For some reason, the traffic has slowed in front.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08The Volvo has reacted to that, braking heavily.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Then the Vauxhall Corsa brakes, pushing the Volvo forward
0:04:12 > 0:04:15into the third vehicle, which is a silver Kia.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Minor damage to the Kia,
0:04:18 > 0:04:23quite significant damage to the rear of the Volvo and to the Corsa.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Sometimes when you get brake fluid, oil, oil especially,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29it gets quite slippy, especially on a damp road surface,
0:04:29 > 0:04:33so we need to get some cleansing down as well.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Business manager Lee Kerswell was driving his Volvo to his office
0:04:36 > 0:04:39in Durham when he collided with the car in front.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43I put my brakes on.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47The car just started to slide. I nudged him,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49and then all of a sudden there was a big impact from behind
0:04:49 > 0:04:53and the air bags and everything went off and then from there,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55everything started to go crazy.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Lots of people, lots of blue flashing lights.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Just glad everybody was OK, I think that's the first thing.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03It was quite an impact from behind.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05The car had gone underneath mine.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09The other car was being driven by hairdresser Kathleen Watson.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I was just driving along, happily driving along, going to work.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16And the guy in front just put his brakes on
0:05:16 > 0:05:22and I slammed my brakes on, and the next minute, crashed, that's it.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24There was nothing...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28I couldn't see anything untoward that was wrong on the road.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Just cannae believe it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Bit shocked, I'm shocked, just shocked...
0:05:40 > 0:05:41that it's happened.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45I've been driving for a lot of years and...
0:05:46 > 0:05:48..never had anything like this.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Haven't even got a point on my license or anything.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57With no-one injured, Alan's priority is to clear the carriageway.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Can I have the keys...?
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Is this yours, is it? Do you mind if I have a go at trying to start it?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Go for it.- All right. It might do.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11And Alan's in luck.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21While the Volvo proves easy to move,
0:06:21 > 0:06:25there's little hope for Kathleen's car - it's a total write-off.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Traffic's already stretching back six miles.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35And unless the car is moved, it could get a whole lot worse.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42With more than 90,000 vehicles ploughing around
0:06:42 > 0:06:47the city of Newcastle every day, accidents and jams are inevitable.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50More than 250 miles away, in East Anglia,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52our team's hoping their trip down the A1
0:06:52 > 0:06:54down to London is plain sailing.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Broom have been building luxury cruisers for over 100 years.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Hi, there. Very well, yourself?
0:07:12 > 0:07:17Today, Guy Girling and his crew are preparing their latest supermodel
0:07:17 > 0:07:20for one of the most significant exhibitions of the season -
0:07:20 > 0:07:23the London Boat Show.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26So, this is the boat that's actually going to London.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29This boat is fully specced up with a large engine,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32the latest electronic dash controls,
0:07:32 > 0:07:38and can be used equally at sea, but also on inland waterways as well.
0:07:40 > 0:07:46The UK leisure boat industry turns over a whopping £3 billion a year,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48and Guy's hoping showing of this high-spec model,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51worth a cool quarter of a million,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54will help generate plenty of future orders.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Certainly the target of taking a boat to the Boat Show
0:07:57 > 0:07:59is obviously to sell it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06In less than 24 hours' time,
0:08:06 > 0:08:11this 35-foot cruiser will be making its debut alongside 300 exhibitors
0:08:11 > 0:08:13at the show in London's Docklands.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Move forwards, about a metre and a half.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25But delivering this seven-tonne load safely will need
0:08:25 > 0:08:27precision planning...
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Just come back a little bit.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33..as HGV driver Derek McLaren knows.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Every boat's different. The technique is to get it as close as
0:08:38 > 0:08:42you possibly can... Come down a bit lower.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45..so it's low enough to miss possible bridges.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49And bridges aren't Derek's only restriction.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54There is a traffic ban for abnormal loads in London between 7am and 10am
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- on weekdays.- Get that back over to the right.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01So his journey must be timed to perfection.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Down altogether. Just come down on the front.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10That's it. We're there.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Perfect.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17Before the boat can leave the yard, it has to be secured, and checked.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The boat is now strapped down onto the truck, so it doesn't move left
0:09:20 > 0:09:22or right, back or forward, then the side support stands,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25literally holding the boat level.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Obviously, accidents can happen, and they won't happen
0:09:28 > 0:09:31if you're safe and secure at this stage.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34They're like eggs, boats, aren't they?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36They certainly are.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40With his basket loaded, Derek and his fragile flotilla of one
0:09:40 > 0:09:42are ready to hit the road.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Transporting the boat requires a specialist wide-load escort to
0:09:52 > 0:09:56travel with Derek for the entire 174-mile journey.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Yeah, just get the bus and truck out of the way,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02then I'll start heading down.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05'See you round the corner, mate. No problem.'
0:10:05 > 0:10:09And with such an abnormal load,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13just getting out of Norfolk is a tricky business.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15We could be sat for quite a while sometimes.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'All clear, mate, come round.'
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Okey dokey.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Derek and his convoy team will have to negotiate a further 80 miles
0:10:30 > 0:10:33cross-country before they reach the A1 and head south.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37With 27 years' driving experience,
0:10:37 > 0:10:42Derek knows they are unlikely to cruise unhindered into the capital.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45It's a lottery, really. We can get traffic problems,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49we've got Christmas shoppers going around the North Circular,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52always busy this time of year.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53You never can tell.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55The slightest incident, it backs right up
0:10:55 > 0:10:59and then when you're sat there, you can be sat there for an hour.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Derek's driven this route many times, but he has a strict timetable
0:11:04 > 0:11:09to stick to and can't afford any mistakes.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Roger, we've missed our exit.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I've looked at the sat nav, and thought, "Hang on a minute,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16"this isn't right."
0:11:16 > 0:11:20'That's what I was just thinking, you've gone wrong.'
0:11:20 > 0:11:23I was waiting for you to correct me.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- So, I'm going to have to do an up-and-over and come back.- 'OK.'
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Not good.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's only a small detour,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35but with Derek already battling to stay on a tight schedule,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37it could prove costly.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44But his journey is just a tiny portion of the nearly seven billion
0:11:44 > 0:11:47miles travelled on the A1 every year.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52With such a massive volume of traffic pounding the road,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56there's an army of workers dedicating to keeping the A1
0:11:56 > 0:11:58in tiptop condition.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04These caretakers of the road turn their hand to everything -
0:12:04 > 0:12:06from picking up litter...
0:12:08 > 0:12:10..to driving a gritter.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15And when the A1 cracks under the pressure...
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Ready?- ..they're there to smooth things over.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24In County Durham,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27one of these teams is clocking on for their morning shift.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33At their depot just off the A1,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Joe Wafer and Kev Taylor are preparing to take on a job
0:12:37 > 0:12:40which only a tin of masonry paint can solve.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Whether it's vandalism or urban art,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47graffiti along the A1 is a real problem,
0:12:47 > 0:12:52with scores of incidents reported to Highways England every year.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Hi, Kelvin. Sure.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56And during his seven years in the job,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Joe has developed a critical eye.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Most of the time, it's like an art type thing,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08people putting designs on, as you will.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10We have had graffiti with,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13"Jill, will you marry me?" and things like that,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15which is great for them, but, you know,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19it's not every Jill that comes up the network is deciding whether
0:13:19 > 0:13:20they're going to get married or not(!)
0:13:20 > 0:13:22So, it doesn't matter what graffiti it is,
0:13:22 > 0:13:26it's all got to be removed or overpainted.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31What people see as just a harmless bit of paint could turn out to be,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34you know, time-consuming and expensive to remove.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38And their job today is a huge one.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43They're tackling this sprawling eight-metre long section of graffiti
0:13:43 > 0:13:45under a motorway bridge near Bowburn.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50It's been freshly daubed on, but it's about to get another coat.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57To be quite honest, I've got better things to do with my time than
0:13:57 > 0:13:59actually come to a bridge and paint it for two or three hours.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03It's just one of those things. They paint it, we come out
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- and paint over it.- With Joe keeping an eye on the traffic,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Kev gets to work with the masonry paint.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14For them, it's not just about getting rid of all the eyesores,
0:14:14 > 0:14:16but stopping accidents.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17We have to cover this up
0:14:17 > 0:14:20simply because the traffic that is passing,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22people tend to look at graffiti
0:14:22 > 0:14:25and they're obviously not concentrating on the road.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30So, we mask it off so it ends up grey and at a later stage,
0:14:30 > 0:14:35Highways England will bring in a company to remove it completely.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40There's a serious sense of deja-vu. This is the sixth time
0:14:40 > 0:14:43they've repainted this bridge in the last year.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Personally, I think it's a waste.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I think it's a waste of time, money and effort.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52It's their type of art. To me,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I'd sooner see a canvas hanging up in a museum.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Even though the artist has painted his piece in an area easy to reach,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03it's still a step too far for Joe.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05I'll do some of the top stuff.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I've got me colleague with us today.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Kev's nickname is "the giraffe", and he can reach the high bits.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13See, I can't reach up there, Kev.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16I've got a higher standard, you see. I do all the heights.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Kev's wife has just been on the phone.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20He's got to do a painting job when he gets home.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Apparently, your kitchen needs painting, Kev.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25It's obvious Joe doesn't know me.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34After an hour, Joe and Kev have managed to conceal the graffiti.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37But with slogans being repainted regularly,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41they know it's likely they'll be back here, removing them again soon.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44As you can see, it is time-consuming.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47But it's got to be done.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49And hopefully,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52we won't be revisited here for a while.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Now that is a work of art. Nice and clear.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02That's a face of pride, that.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03That's one for Highways England.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The boys are back.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11However, their next paint job isn't going to be as straightforward,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and they'll definitely need a head for heights.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Just a few miles up the road in Newcastle,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24PC Alan Keenleyside is still trying to reopen his section of the A1.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32A three-car crash in the morning rush hour is causing traffic chaos.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35With just one lane moving,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Alan is trying to clear the vehicles
0:16:37 > 0:16:40and reopen the road as quickly as possible.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Right now, we're probably looking at around about five to six miles of
0:16:46 > 0:16:47slow-moving traffic behind us.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50So we're really moving as quickly as we can to get this cleared.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Business manager Lee Kerswell, who was caught up in the crash,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59has taken the brunt of motorists' anger.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02We actually got quite a few people shouting abuse out the window,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04obscenities and that, because obviously,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07we deliberately crashed this morning, that was the aim,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09to spoil everybody's commute to work.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11It's quite disappointing.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13You know, somebody could have been seriously injured.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16And that's the kind of attitude we were getting.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19With the smashed-up Corsa still blocking the fast lane,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22it's going to need a police 4x4 to shift it.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24It's clearly going to move, cos we've got the power
0:17:24 > 0:17:26in this to pull it. But we need to do it safely,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29make sure we're not going to get right across the road
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and then a wheel is going to fall off,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34or lose the brakes or the steering lock's going to come off,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38and we're going to end up with the police vehicle being damaged.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43While Alan stops the frustrated commuters one last time,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45the car is finally dragged off the carriageway.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53And it's a race to clean up and get the road back to normal.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59We need to look at bits like this - if a member of the public
0:17:59 > 0:18:03comes along in the hours to come, on a motorcycle...
0:18:03 > 0:18:07sees these bits, they might react to it, and if they react,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09could cause a collision.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Right, that's it, we're ready to reopen.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16It's taken 20 minutes to clear the accident.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Now Alan and fellow officers
0:18:18 > 0:18:21have to deal with the people involved in the crash.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Are you all right?- Yeah.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Part of this is making sure the drivers are breathalysed.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34I certainly don't suspect any of these drivers being impaired
0:18:34 > 0:18:37via alcohol or drugs, but in Northumbria,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40if you are involved in a road-traffic collision,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43you will be breathalysed as a matter of course.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52For the drivers caught up in the incident
0:18:52 > 0:18:54in sub-zero weather conditions,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57it has been a learning experience in more ways than one.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59It's a little bit chilly this morning.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00A good day not to have your coat with you.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03When you're defrosting your car, maybe it's a good thought to
0:19:03 > 0:19:05actually make sure you take your coat with you.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Need to think that in future, always make sure there's a coat in the car.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Traffic's finally flowing again past the scene,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18although the knock-on effects from this smash will ripple down the road
0:19:18 > 0:19:20for hours to come.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22That now, the A1, the monster that it is,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24will start to return to normal.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Unfortunately, mornings like this
0:19:27 > 0:19:30will probably never fully recover from that incident.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36That backlog of traffic will remain in some form,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38but that's the harsh reality of it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41One incident that's lasted 20-25 minutes has a knock-on effect
0:19:41 > 0:19:43for many, many hours.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51The average cost of a minor collision
0:19:51 > 0:19:53on the A1 is around £15,000.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58So this three car pile-up, which held up rush-hour traffic for
0:19:58 > 0:20:02almost half an hour, could easily run into the tens of thousands.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Someone who is hoping not to incur any costly damages
0:20:10 > 0:20:13is luxury boat transporter Derek McLaren,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17who's halfway through his voyage from East Anglia to London.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26After a wrong turn, Derek and his quarter of million cruiser
0:20:26 > 0:20:28have made it to the A1...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32..but he's still got 80 miles to go.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37He needs to drop anchor at the London Boat Show
0:20:37 > 0:20:40in just two hours' time.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47And if Derek misses his slot, sales exec Guy
0:20:47 > 0:20:50will be left high and dry.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It's a fairly confined space when they're actually unloaded from
0:20:54 > 0:20:58the lorries and, for ourselves, this year, we've got to be unloaded
0:20:58 > 0:21:00at around about 10-11am.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04If we don't make the slot, we basically don't get in the show.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09It's nine o'clock now and we need to be there,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11at the very latest, at 11:00
0:21:11 > 0:21:14and I've got a rough ETA of 10:40.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17So we haven't got a lot of leeway at the moment.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24There will be over 100,000 potential customers at the show,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26so missing their unloading window
0:21:26 > 0:21:28would certainly scupper crucial sales.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Concerned about what obstacles may lie further along the road,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Derek checks in with Guy.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- Morning, Guy, it's Derek. - 'Hello, Derek, how are you?'
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- We're on the move, Guy. - 'OK, we've just arrived.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45'Traffic coming south was almost non-existent,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- 'so there were no hold-ups whatsoever.'- That's good.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52So far, so good. But with only 20 minutes to spare,
0:21:52 > 0:21:53the pressure is on.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Especially as the volume of traffic begins to build
0:21:58 > 0:22:01as he edges closer to the centre of London.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06We've got a truck coming past us at the minute, there.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Derek's reliant on his specialist escort
0:22:09 > 0:22:11not only to help him negotiate the route,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14but to keep an eye on the precious cargo.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17I've got Roger, the pilot, in his van.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21He's there probably as a warning to traffic coming up behind.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24If anything untoward should happen,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27trucks can sneak up and get too close, he's there.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Or like this situation in front of me now,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32there's a truck in a lay-by.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- All right, Roger.- Just go a little bit right, mate.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36OK.
0:22:43 > 0:22:49Stuff I can't see, he relays back to me and then I can drive accordingly.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Derek's leaving the A1 where it meets the M25.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02But, unfortunately, he's greeted with an all-too-familiar sight.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04There's a bit of traffic here, look.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Blimey. Got to be a bit careful with these wider loads.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12It narrows down here, they come flying in.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Cars ain't too bad, but lorries...
0:23:17 > 0:23:19they do get close to the boats.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Over at the exhibition centre...
0:23:32 > 0:23:34..more than 400 boats are being carefully positioned
0:23:34 > 0:23:36under a strict time schedule.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42And the event planners won't allow for delays.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Got about 20 minutes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:5020 minutes.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Back on the road, just as Derek starts moving again...
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Jam further on.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- OK, mate. Cheers. - ..he's hit another hold-up.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Bit of a traffic jam now at the end of the 11.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06It is a busy road down here.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Oh, dear.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10This will make us late.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Nightmare.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Four hours' drive north is one of the busiest stretches
0:24:21 > 0:24:23of the A1, near Newcastle.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31The road here sees over half a million vehicles every week.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36And it's down to traffic officers Peter Senior and Scott Wilson
0:24:36 > 0:24:38to be in the right place at the right time.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56For motorists travelling along the road,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59a stray object can prove potentially deadly.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01There's a possibility, if someone strikes it,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04it could blow their tyres out, it could possibly throw it up
0:25:04 > 0:25:06and strike another vehicle.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I've heard stories of the actual hook digging into the tyre
0:25:08 > 0:25:11and then the strap wrapping round the axle.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Or wrapping on the wheel.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Unfortunately for Scott and Peter,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20this latest item is right in the middle of one of the fastest-flowing
0:25:20 > 0:25:23sections of the A1.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27To remove it safely means they're going to have to stop the traffic.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31You just find a gap, we'll go for it.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Get it on now, mate. - You ready?- Yeah.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Lights and don't pass displayed.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Hotel, Alpha, Charlie, Lima, 4-1,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43we've now implemented the block just adjacent to Washington services,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45over.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47For traffic officers like Peter and Scott,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51the rolling road block is a well-rehearsed manoeuvre.
0:25:51 > 0:25:544-1, we've taken a position lane two.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56We have full compliance.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Got traffic speed down to 5-0, over.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02It allows them to slow the traffic down
0:26:02 > 0:26:05and bring it to a halt just before the debris.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08We've got control of the traffic, but we've still got to be
0:26:08 > 0:26:11watching that traffic just to make sure no-one comes past.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12Should anybody come past,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15we'll take their details and that would be passed on,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18because they're committing a road traffic offence.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Just need to get control of the traffic off this slip now,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23which we've got. We'll let that van get away.
0:26:27 > 0:26:294-1, we've now got traffic at a stop.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Just going to remove the debris now. Stand by.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35While Peter collects the lorry strap,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Scott watches his back to make sure no vehicles jump the block.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42We'll be releasing it in a minute, mate. Won't be long.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44When traffic's at its peak,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47a road closure can cause a jam that builds out a mile a minute.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51So it's important the debris is cleared as quickly as possible.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55So, we'll just slowly run the traffic away now.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57The debris is removed.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Traffic has been held up for only three minutes.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03A small price to pay for keeping the A1 safe.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08It just takes one person to panic and try to swerve to avoid that,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11and it could cause a really serious incident.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Job well done. Job very well done.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21Traffic officers like Peter and Scott pick up nearly 2,500 obstacles
0:27:21 > 0:27:23from along the A1 every year.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It's a tiny part of the role they play,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31but they still have their fair share of critics.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Certain people maybe haven't perceived us well.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Some celebrities have maybe mentioned us as Day-Glo Wombles,
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- or whatever.- Jeremy Clarkson.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45If them people could come out with us and see what we did...
0:27:45 > 0:27:48We don't just put cones out and close lanes for the fun of it,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51or for practice. We're doing it for a reason -
0:27:51 > 0:27:53to help people or to make something safe.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57I believe he has been offered to come out on a patrol with us
0:27:57 > 0:27:59and he declined.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03It's good that we're having a busy shift, anyway.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07It lets members of the public see that we do actually do something.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14From stray animals to breakdowns and serious accidents,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18traffic officers deal with more than 10,000 incidents
0:28:18 > 0:28:21on the A1 every year.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24With such an unpredictable job on the front line,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Peter and Scott know just how quickly things can change.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36It's rush hour on the outskirts of Gateshead,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39and reports are coming in of a major crash.
0:28:39 > 0:28:404-1.
0:28:49 > 0:28:521-1-3, yeah, received. We're just approaching junction 68 now,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54so we should have eyes on very shortly, over.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Within seconds, they are on the scene.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02The police are there, all on the slip, so...
0:29:02 > 0:29:05He says it's crossing... Across the full carriageway.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- Of the...?- Of the main carriageway, mate. Keep going.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15A van driver has plunged down an embankment
0:29:15 > 0:29:18and smashed into a lamp post,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21the only thing that stopped him ploughing across the motorway.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26He's being treated by paramedics for his injuries.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29We can confirm that police and ambulance are on scene.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34And with traffic already at a standstill,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Peter and Scott will be pushed to the limit
0:29:37 > 0:29:38dealing with the aftermath.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Managing an incident like this can be fraught with danger,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52but down the A1 in Durham,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56even a simple cleaning job can mean risking life and limb.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Incident response workers Joe and Kev are continuing their crusade to
0:30:03 > 0:30:06rid the A1 of unsightly graffiti.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12It's a time-consuming and expensive job.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Right, A1 in, northbound, between junction 61 and 62.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19This bridge has been riddled with slogans at every level.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23And you can see, just by the graffiti,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25we've got one on the wing wall, one on the wall itself,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28one on the wall there and one up on the wing wall, there.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32And there's actual graffiti on the bridge itself.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34So, for him to do that,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37he's either hung over the edge of the bridge
0:30:37 > 0:30:39or he's leant out from the side.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42It is dangerous, whichever way he's done that one.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47They want to get rid of a tag left by a prolific artist.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53But accessing it means going off-road.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01And once there, Joe's using the graffiti artist's favourite tool
0:31:01 > 0:31:04to blitz it.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Well, I've got a hold of the railings.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09I've got a good hold on my feet, so I don't feel too bad.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11I'm not frightened of heights, or anything.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13We're never going to get it perfect,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16but what we'll do is we'll just blot out as much as we can.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I mean, is it worth it?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26But the next cover-up job is in an even more dangerous position.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Just metres from speeding traffic.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34We're right on a bend.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Heavy traffic nine metres away from the lane.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39It's very, very dangerous.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44I mean, you can hear the traffic going past us now.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47I mean, whoever has done this,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50taking their life into their hands, to be fair.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54A job like this needs teamwork and trust.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Start from here and work our way that way.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04While Kev blitzes the graffiti, Joe acts as their eyes and ears.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12If you don't have a lookout system, we've got nothing.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15We won't know anything is happening until the last moment.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20But if I've seen a car coming down the hard shoulder, I can tell Kev.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24So, it's just like an early warning system.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26If a vehicle is coming that way, you would head that way
0:32:26 > 0:32:28and get round the corner as quick as you can.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Because these can be taken down.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34They take a lot of strain, but you still get away,
0:32:34 > 0:32:35because debris flies.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40Just run the opposite direction to where the vehicle is.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42But with the sun dropping fast,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45the situation is growing riskier with every passing minute.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47This is under the shade.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50The drivers are coming from strong sunlight farther up the road,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53so it's getting to the point of the day now where we don't really want
0:32:53 > 0:32:55to be on a corner on a hard shoulder.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59We've got a large load coming down the motorway now.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Luckily enough, he's moved across.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07If he can't get across, his overhang might be into the hard shoulder.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Luckily enough, we're OK, there.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13But this is the sort of thing that happens.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17With the light too low to continue,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Joe and Kev will return tomorrow to finish the job.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28But with dozens of cases a year to tackle,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31their war on A1 graffiti goes on.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43More than 260 miles south, on the outskirts of the capital,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47time is ticking away for luxury boat transporter Derek McLaren.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52This 35-foot luxury cruiser
0:33:52 > 0:33:58is due to be delivered at London's ExCel exhibition centre
0:33:58 > 0:33:59at 11 o'clock prompt.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04But having been delayed twice, Derek's already ten minutes' late.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- Hello.- Hello, mate.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- How are you?- Yeah, we're just coming in now.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16The organisers have given strict delivery time slots,
0:34:16 > 0:34:18and could deny Derek entry.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24We're here.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Are they ready and waiting for us? - They're ready for you.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- Right.- They're not waiting for you. - Right.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Fortunately for Derek, they've given him some leeway,
0:34:37 > 0:34:41and he's given the green light to dock.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44But that's not the end of today's challenging trip.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50Now the delicate 250-grand cruiser needs to be squeezed onto its stand
0:34:50 > 0:34:52between equally expensive boats.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00The boat is basically swung into position.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02It's fairly critical,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05because you've got to get three boats in on that side,
0:35:05 > 0:35:06on that actual side.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12With £250,000 worth of luxury boat suspended in the air...
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Whoa!
0:35:14 > 0:35:16..there's no room for error.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- Yeah, it wants to come back to me a bit.- Back to you again?- Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- You tell us when.- You won't get your boats in at that side.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24You're really tight. That's it, there.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- Good.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- Bring it down, there. Go and put your blocks in, mate.- Yeah.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34During the show, potential buyers will be invited on the boat,
0:35:34 > 0:35:37so the boats needs to be secured precisely.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Right, that's in the right place, so now, in under we go.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Let me know when to bring it down, mate.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- All right, fingers clear. - Yeah.- OK, down.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49The important thing is to get the actual stand in the right location,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52cos there's going to be a lot of people going on and off the boat
0:35:52 > 0:35:54during the show. So, we've got to make sure we get the stands
0:35:54 > 0:35:57right on the edge of the boat, which is the strongest bit.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00After two and a half hours of tricky manoeuvring...
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- Yeah, that's good. - ..the boat is finally in place.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Fully safe and sound. Ready for the show.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11With over 100,000 visitors expected,
0:36:11 > 0:36:15the prestigious London Boat Show is about to open its doors.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19It's crucial Guy's supermodel not only impresses the browsers,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22but generates sales, too.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Just got bloody filthy underneath that.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32With Guy dusted down, the doors open.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And there's soon some interest in what he's got to offer.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42So, with the 430, you've got option of a three-cabin layout as well,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45haven't you? So, you can have the side cabin with two bunks in it,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47and then a chaise longue across the back of the boat
0:36:47 > 0:36:49with a separate toilet and the separate showers.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51So, it gives you fantastic off-cabin facilities.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53The ideal scenario obviously is that you get a customer
0:36:53 > 0:36:56come along who says, "Yes, I want to buy a boat,"
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- and pays quite a nice deposit. - With the crowds increasing...
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Do you like what you see?- I do, yes.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04..there's another potential customer.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- Have that, again, anyway, so you've got that.- Thank you again.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09No problem at all. Why don't I scribble down your contact details
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- myself, as well?- Guy will spend the next ten days at the show,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16showing off his model and the rest of the company's range,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18which is all good for business.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- Thank you very much. - Lovely to see you again.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23It's been a relatively good day.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Steady flow of clients right through the day,
0:37:25 > 0:37:28some of whom were getting closer to actual committing.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31The model on display had a lot of interest as well.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36This boat might be attracting interest,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40but it won't be taking its maiden voyage just yet.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Instead, it will leave the glitz and glamour behind
0:37:43 > 0:37:48and head the 170 miles back up the A1 to the boat yard.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55From the thrall of the London Boat Show,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58up in the north-east, there's a major emergency on the A1.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06This van has careered down a grassy bank and smashed into a lamp post,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09knocking it across two lanes of the road.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Traffic officers Peter Senior and Scott Wilson are battling through
0:38:15 > 0:38:17the traffic to get to the incident.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20We can position our vehicle in the middle of the road.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24The traffic will make attempts to get out of our way and let us
0:38:24 > 0:38:28filter through the middle. What you've got to be watching for now,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30though, is the driver who doesn't see you coming.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34A mile down the road,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38police and firefighters are trying to work out how this van ended up in
0:38:38 > 0:38:39such a bizarre position.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41DISTANT SIRENS WAIL
0:38:44 > 0:38:49Amazingly, motorcycle patrol officer Ian Scott was just metres away when
0:38:49 > 0:38:52the van came plunging down the bank.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54It started to come through the traffic.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57As I was coming through, this white van just came down the slip,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00hit the lamp post. It just blocked all three lanes off.
0:39:00 > 0:39:01So, everybody just stopped.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03It didn't actually clip any cars?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- No, it didn't.- How lucky is that?
0:39:06 > 0:39:08And at the time, this was three lanes of solid traffic,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12so I don't know how the lamp post didn't hit anything.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Paramedics are treating the driver for his injuries.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Police don't know yet what caused the accident,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22but it's already had a massive impact,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24causing five miles of tailbacks.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28With Scott and Peter now on the scene,
0:39:28 > 0:39:32they've got to find a way of getting thousands of vehicles safely past.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39The police have sorted the lamp post that was
0:39:39 > 0:39:42across lanes one and two. We're going to move everything that is
0:39:42 > 0:39:44currently in lane two into lane one,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48so we can open lanes two and three, and help traffic keep flowing by.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Opening another lane should halve the problem.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57So, now we've got two lanes of traffic available
0:39:57 > 0:39:59for traffic to use.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02It's just, they are a bit like sheep following each other at the moment,
0:40:02 > 0:40:03they're just using lane three.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06But once they've realised we've adjusted things,
0:40:06 > 0:40:07they'll start dropping in.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10We'll get a higher volume of traffic past the scene.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Scott is keen to discover just how the van has managed to end up in
0:40:15 > 0:40:18such a bizarre position.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22He appears to have gone up the V part where the two barriers are.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25That's launched him in between the two posts.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26I think he's been a bit lucky.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28He only seems to have a cut on his nose,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31and he's saying he's got a few neck problems now,
0:40:31 > 0:40:33but it could've been a lot more serious than what it actually
0:40:33 > 0:40:35appears to be at the minute.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38It's been nearly an hour
0:40:38 > 0:40:41since the crash brought the A1 to a standstill.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48But finally, with the inside lane cleared,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Scott and Peter can fully reopen the road.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Hotel, Alpha, Charlie, Lima, 4-1, to Charlie, Tango, 4-1.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08You can release the block. Our ETM's been taken in
0:41:08 > 0:41:10and we've left the scene, over.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15The stranded van will be dealt with later by a recovery team.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20It's been a busy and varied shift for the pair,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22which deserves a reward.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28So, that was a job that we weren't expecting on a Friday, Pete.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32I think it's about time for a kebab to get my fitness levels back up.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Get them calories back into you.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Peter's donner is going to have to be delayed, though,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40because even at the end of the busiest shifts,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42the routine jobs still need doing.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47They way we work as a team, you know, it's all down to teamwork.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Scott does the washing and I just have a look
0:41:49 > 0:41:52to make sure he's done it right.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54It's cos I'm still younger, that's what it is.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56I don't want him to wear himself out.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I should be getting carers' allowance.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- For doing all this.- Oh, cheers(!)
0:42:02 > 0:42:04No, youngest always cleans the car.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06I know I look a bit younger than him, but...
0:42:06 > 0:42:08SCOTT LAUGHS
0:42:15 > 0:42:18The van driver was later questioned by police,
0:42:18 > 0:42:20but no further action was taken.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26The luxury cruiser made its way safely back up the A1,
0:42:26 > 0:42:31having done its job, securing over £500,000 worth of orders.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And after returning to the bridge for a second day,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Joe finally covered up all of the graffiti.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Hopefully, I won't be back again.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41Next time -
0:42:41 > 0:42:44a serious smash on a busy A1 junction...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Paramedics are indicating a possible serious head injury.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50We're going to have to drag this vehicle clear of the barrier.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53..leaves the driver's life hanging in the balance.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Ready to move when you want.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Will treacherous weather hamper an emergency road repair?
0:42:58 > 0:43:01As you can see ahead, the mist is coming in quite quickly.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04We could have low fog on the carriageway.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07And the perils of transporting a priceless piece of art.
0:43:09 > 0:43:10It's not working.