0:00:02 > 0:00:04The A1, Britain's longest road.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10Stretching almost 400 miles from the City of London to the heart of the
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Scottish capital.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Connecting two nations and passing through 18 counties,
0:00:17 > 0:00:18it's an unrivalled highway,
0:00:18 > 0:00:22used by hundreds of thousands of vehicles every day.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26We are going southbound down the A1 on the northbound carriageway.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29But not all journeys go to plan.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35I thought, "I'm going to lose my life."
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Cars are coming close.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39It is a dangerous place to be.
0:00:39 > 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.
0:00:48 > 0:00:4924 hours a day...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's not a safe place, here.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53..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 they've got the road closed
0:01:01 > 0:01:03or we don't know what's happened.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04..and traffic officers.
0:01:06 > 0:01:07Keep 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 > 0:01:30The careless drivers putting lives at risk.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34The worst-case scenario is that it's a fatality.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Officers race to the scene...
0:01:35 > 0:01:37This is high priority.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39..of a treacherous tyre blowout.
0:01:39 > 0:01:40Traffic's just too busy.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46The chances of somebody getting struck on that offside is really high.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49And Santa's reindeer head south.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53You often get this expression of pure delight when people see the
0:01:53 > 0:01:56reindeer for the first time. They really are the spirit of Christmas.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07More than 1,700 people were killed or injured in accidents on Britain's
0:02:07 > 0:02:09roads in 2015.
0:02:09 > 0:02:1321 of them lost their lives on the A1.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Some involve just one vehicle.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17Others involve several.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22But by far the most common accidents seen on the highway
0:02:22 > 0:02:23are rear-end shunts.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30It's now half past seven in the morning and there's a report of
0:02:30 > 0:02:32a pile-up just before the A1 crosses the River Tyne.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39PC Darren Lant doesn't yet know if there are any injuries.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It's vital he gets there as soon as possible.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47I think what's happened is there's been a collision
0:02:47 > 0:02:50involving four vehicles and then as people have slowed down,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54there's been a secondary collision, resulting in another two.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57We should be coming across it shortly on the northbound carriageway.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02The accident has only just been reported but there are already tailbacks,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05causing danger to other road users.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07We've already got quite a substantial build-up,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11and this is the main arterial route through Newcastle, the A1.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Darren needs to weave through the southbound traffic.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19But many drivers have slowed to look, creating the risk of further shunts.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21The main priority, certainly for me,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25is the welfare and first aid of all those involved.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29The worst-case scenario is that it's a fatality,
0:03:29 > 0:03:33which would mean a full road closure and can you imagine trying to divert
0:03:33 > 0:03:37everything off the A1 to an alternative route?
0:03:39 > 0:03:40So we're just pulling up on scene now.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43You'll be able to see the recovery truck up ahead.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Anybody hurt?
0:03:50 > 0:03:52No injuries? Oh, excellent. Excellent. Great.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54These drivers had a lucky escape,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58but until the cars are recovered, a lane has been closed on the A1
0:03:58 > 0:04:01causing stop-start traffic further south.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Lane one's closed for about a fifth of the way, about
0:04:05 > 0:04:07100 metres, just north of the bridge.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11The lane can't be reopened until Darren gathers his evidence.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14We were just coming along, the traffic slowed down,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16to be honest with you.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21It was one in front, two in front and literally bumped each other.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26They've just all stopped and just gone into the back of us.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28After hearing one version of events,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Darren needs to get the other side of the story.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Was there anything wrong with your brakes or anything?
0:04:34 > 0:04:35You don't think so.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Have you got your driving licence with you, have you?
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Can I see your driving licence, please?
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Well, I was on me way to work at Blyth and obviously the traffic's
0:04:41 > 0:04:44slowed down and the lady's just gone into the back of us.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46This is the first accident I've had.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49I've been driving over 30 years.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52You're more thinking about the other people trying to get to work and
0:04:52 > 0:04:56you're stopping them from getting to work, so that doesn't help either.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59But I'll probably not get to work for the rest of the week now,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01either, until I get things sorted out.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05The other driver accepts full responsibility for the crash.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Darren's now gathered the evidence he needs to decide whether any
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- offence has been committed.- It turned out quite...
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Although it's quite substantially damaged both vehicles,
0:05:14 > 0:05:15there's no injuries, which is a good thing.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18It was the result of a secondary collision.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21There had been one further up and the lady hasn't been able to stop in
0:05:21 > 0:05:25time for the Nissan coming to a stop and she's gone into the back of him.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30The priority now is to recover both vehicles so that the A1 can be
0:05:30 > 0:05:32reopened to ease the rush-hour jams.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39After 15 minutes, Darren can leave the scene and will assess whether
0:05:39 > 0:05:42to take any further action.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46The driver of the Nissan, the one that's had the other one going into
0:05:46 > 0:05:48the back of him, he's all right.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Nothing will happen with him.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55The other driver, the female, she hasn't been able to stop in time.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58She said the road was slippy, it's not, it's nice and dry.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01She's not alleging any mechanical defect with her car,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03she said the brakes were fine.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06She doesn't know why she hasn't been able to stop in time.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09It's my suspicion and I strongly suspect that she just hasn't reacted enough.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13She'd been driving maybe a little too fast for the conditions,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15hasn't acknowledged that the guy's coming to a stop and just
0:06:15 > 0:06:17gone into the back of him.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23You must be able to stop in the distance you can see ahead to be clear.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25And she hasn't been able to do that.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Both cars will now be taken away to be repaired.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35It'll be up to the drivers to organise their own insurance claims.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46Traffic officers deal with more than 4,000 breakdowns on the A1 every year.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49It's a common call-out, but one that causes delays,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51disruption and danger.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58In South Yorkshire, Paul Day and Rob Larkin are on patrol along the road.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Three hours into their afternoon shift,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04they spot a van on the opposite side of the A1.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08There appears to be a large vehicle with a trailer on.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10We're just turning to attend.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13If the van's broken down in the middle of a lane,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15it could cause a serious accident.
0:07:16 > 0:07:22Depending on how far he is down the slip, he may well be in a live lane.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26The best scenario here is that it's on the hard shoulder.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29That's the potential to be the case.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32But if it's a live lane, this is high priority.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38He is actually on the hard shoulder.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- Just.- He's moving. Is he moving?- No.- He is.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Looks like he's got an offside puncture.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49The broken-down vehicle is a van with a trailer.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Although the driver has managed to pull onto the hard shoulder,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54it's still a dangerous situation.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55What's the word?
0:08:00 > 0:08:02How much weight have you got on there?
0:08:03 > 0:08:04There's a lot on there.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09This is a very dangerous job.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Around one in ten fatalities occur on the hard shoulder
0:08:13 > 0:08:16and in this case, the blown tyre is on the driver's side
0:08:16 > 0:08:20perilously close to the passing traffic.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25He's so near to the hard shoulder that it'll be impossible to
0:08:25 > 0:08:27change it at the side of the road.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30At this time of night, if we put a lane closure out on this slip,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33it'd cause chaos, so the best...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37the best solution for everyone is if we can move this,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39it'll only take a couple of minutes to move it,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43whereas if we were going to do a wheel change, it could be up to half the night.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45It's going to inconvenience thousands of people.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Traffic is just too busy.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53The chances of somebody getting struck on that offside is really high.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Closing both lanes will bring rush-hour traffic to a standstill
0:08:57 > 0:08:59but it's the best option.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03Only by getting the van off the A1 can safety be guaranteed.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08So let your dad know that we're going to be off at 37 and if he comes...
0:09:08 > 0:09:11if he comes, get him to pull in front of us, not in front of you
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- because he'll be in a live lane if he's in front of you.- Right.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16All right. That's what we're doing.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Further up the carriageway,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23another patrol car is shutting down both lanes of the A1.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Now the clock is ticking because as the tailbacks grow,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28so does the risk of a pile-up.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Right, here's the gap, look.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31No more traffic.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37We're all going to get in and we're going to move off nice and slow.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- Take it as slow as you want.- Yeah.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44If for any reason the tyre comes off and it's in the road, we'll stop,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47we'll move the tyre off out the way, nice and steady,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50just slow down a bit and then we'll catch up to you and we'll come
0:09:50 > 0:09:52behind you, all right?
0:09:52 > 0:09:53Right, there's our car.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55You see him lit up? That means we're safe to move.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58With both lanes closed,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02the van can now move safely into an empty stretch of the road.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08And it soon becomes apparent what may have caused the tyre on the
0:10:08 > 0:10:09trailer to blow.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Yeah, I think it's heavy.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It's blown out for a reason.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16And there's a lot of weight on that trailer.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19The priority is getting the vehicle to safety.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23It's taken three minutes to get from the A1 to a side road and the
0:10:23 > 0:10:26traffic jam is now a mile long.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Paul radios through for the road to be reopened.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31Alpha Charlie Lima 13.
0:10:31 > 0:10:37Vehicle is now clear of all live lanes and the log can be closed, over.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44It's not too bad. I mean, the tyre is knacked.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46The tyre is no good but...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48He's got it off. There you go.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51I said he's as fast as a pit crew. Formula 1.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56By acting quickly, the traffic officers have prevented any
0:10:56 > 0:10:58accidents and kept the A1 moving.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Right, no worries then. Job's a good 'un.- Thanks for that.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- Right, we'll see you later, then. - Cheers.- Thank you.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Rob and Paul believe this A1 driver has had a close call
0:11:11 > 0:11:13like all the other motorists who pass the scene.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16It was heavy, was that trailer,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19which is a potential for why the tyre blew.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20If the trailer is overweight,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24the tyre takes too much pressure and that blows the tyres.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28The wheel could pop, it starts to get a wiggle on, overturns,
0:11:28 > 0:11:29could cause carnage, that.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34If one or two of them wheels burst on the same side,
0:11:34 > 0:11:39that will overturn that trailer or, at the very minimum, spill the load
0:11:39 > 0:11:41across the whole motorway.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44And it's just... It's just unnecessary, really.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49It's been a busy late shift and it's far from over.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Nearly 100 miles north of the A1's end point
0:11:55 > 0:11:58is the Cairngorms National Park.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08The hills and valleys of this stunning countryside are home to
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13But they don't stay here all year.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15In the run-up to Christmas,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19they regularly leave home to attend events across the country and when
0:12:19 > 0:12:23they need to head south, their number one route is the A1.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28It's now November and a herd of Scottish reindeer is halfway through
0:12:28 > 0:12:34an epic journey down the A1 to their first Christmas event of the season.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37The boys have had a nice time relaxing overnight.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40They've had their breakfast. We're just going for a little stretch of
0:12:40 > 0:12:41the legs before we load them.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43We always do when we're travelling them.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Look, just stop it.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47Goodness, boys. Honestly.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51Come on.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55This is the busiest time of the year for handlers Hen and Andi.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Good boys.- They'll spend the next two weeks travelling up and down the
0:12:59 > 0:13:01A1 showing their reindeer...
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Look, stop it.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07..if they can get this boisterous bunch under control.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12This is Minute in my left hand, just here.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15He is four years old, and Beastie, who is just shaking his head,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17he is six years old, and Knock.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Knock is only six months old, so it's his very first time going
0:13:20 > 0:13:22away and doing a couple of Christmas events.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25It's all new for him but the old boys have done it all before.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Today, the six reindeer have to travel a further 80 miles to
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Santa's Grotto at Stockeld Park near Wetherby.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36They're set to be the star attraction,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39so Hen and Andi are keen to get on the road.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49You often get this expression of pure delight when people see the
0:13:49 > 0:13:53reindeer for the first time and they really are the spirit of Christmas.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Seeing the reindeer, they're like, "Oh, Christmas is coming, Santa is here."
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's really good fun. It's nice to spread a little bit of joy.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Hundreds of visitors are expected, so it's important to give the
0:14:03 > 0:14:07reindeer a chance to settle before the big parade.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09We've got plenty of time for the journey.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13We always work out how long it should take us and then add quite a
0:14:13 > 0:14:16bit of time because you never want to be arriving late at an event in
0:14:16 > 0:14:18a rush because that rubs off on the reindeer as well.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Hen and Andi join the A1 near Gateshead.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Other drivers have no idea the spirit of Christmas is sharing the
0:14:26 > 0:14:28road, and, being a straight stretch,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31the A1 ensures the reindeer can have a smooth journey.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34They travel really well. You don't want them tied up like you do with
0:14:34 > 0:14:37a horse because of the risk of them catching their antlers in the rope.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39So, to be honest, they've got the easy job.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Andi's got the harder work of driving today.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43We've just passed a sign for Scotch Corner.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46We've got to hope there is no problems on the A1.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It all seems to be flowing nicely at the moment.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I've got my road map. If there is any problems and it's going to hold us
0:14:51 > 0:14:54up too much, we will take a wee detour and get ourselves...
0:14:54 > 0:14:57We've got to make sure we get there in plenty of time so the reindeer
0:14:57 > 0:14:59have got time to relax.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01All flowing very nicely so far.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02Nice roads this morning.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05But has Hen spoken too soon?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Oh, roadworks.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Delays possible.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13With spectators expecting to see Santa's reindeer,
0:15:13 > 0:15:18will the herd make it to the show on time or will they miss their big moment?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26For Northumbria Police, the A1 is the main road in their area.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31One of those tasked with patrolling it is PC Alan Keenleyside.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36And tonight, his shift begins under the shadow of the North-East's
0:15:36 > 0:15:39most iconic landmark.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42There was some real issues when it was first put up that it may cause
0:15:42 > 0:15:45collisions by people looking at it, you know,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47but thankfully it hasn't been the case.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Tonight, one of the busiest sections of the A1 around the city is
0:15:53 > 0:15:55being shut for maintenance.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58It's vital drivers abide by the rules to ensure the safety of the
0:15:58 > 0:16:00workers on the carriageway.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03To protect the road workers, the speed limit has been reduced to 50.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07But there are some drivers who seem
0:16:07 > 0:16:11to think the limit doesn't apply to them.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Two cars have just sped past.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19The vehicle appears to be travelling above the speed limit, so we'll
0:16:19 > 0:16:22now progress after the vehicle, see if we can perform a speed check.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29One of the cars has pulled off at a slip road, but Alan is still
0:16:29 > 0:16:31pursuing the second driver.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33He suspects the two cars could have been racing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37He's actually pulled into the slow lane,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40so I don't know if he's been rumbled or he's going off here.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46As soon as the driver sees Alan's blue lights,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49he pulls off the A1 and stops his car.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55So, we'll have a stop and see what he wants to say for himself.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I'm sitting on the slip road monitoring traffic speeds and
0:17:03 > 0:17:08everyone's doing 50, and then you two drive past like that.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Not acceptable, buddy.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- What's the craic? Be honest.- I don't know him.- I'm not saying you do.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- No, no.- You were going quite fast. I've recorded your speed at 61mph.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24All right? So if your average speed there was 61, what was your average
0:17:24 > 0:17:28speed when you were driving after that black car that went off,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30before I even started you on the speed check?
0:17:30 > 0:17:33It was higher than that. It was higher than that.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Alan radios control.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41'Checking through the record, there's no stops and no points.'
0:17:41 > 0:17:45The driver's got a clean licence, but that could be about to change.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53Alan decides to show the driver his in-car recording of the incident.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55What I want you to do, when I press play,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57is look how fast these cars are going. All right?
0:17:57 > 0:18:02I want you to see what 50mph looks like. All right? See the car there?
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- Yeah. - 50mph?
0:18:04 > 0:18:07And there's you two.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10I'm going to warn you for your manner of driving tonight,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12on the grounds that you certainly
0:18:12 > 0:18:14wouldn't drive like that on your driving test,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and if you did, you wouldn't be passing, all right?
0:18:17 > 0:18:20OK, I'll write this out for you and I'll give
0:18:20 > 0:18:23you your licence back and you'll be all right to go on your way.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Warning the driver gives Alan more time to carry out further
0:18:26 > 0:18:30investigations to establish exactly how far over the limit the
0:18:30 > 0:18:32motorist was going.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- Look after yourself. Drive carefully, man.- I will do.- See ya.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41For now, the driver is free to go,
0:18:41 > 0:18:45but he'll be hearing more from Alan once he's finished his investigation.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54Without doubt, the biggest hazard for drivers on the A1 is other motorists.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Every year, there are more than 200 cases of death by careless driving
0:18:58 > 0:19:01on Britain's roads.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Highways England's CCTV system has captured many incidents...
0:19:06 > 0:19:10..like this case of a motorist who appears to be deliberately driving
0:19:10 > 0:19:14through a set of cones on a section of the highway just near to
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19The driver continues down a closed-off section of the road,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23before he's stopped by workmen, and arrested by police.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28A decision was later taken not to charge the driver with any offence.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32It's an extreme example, but he's not the only culprit.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37To the north of Newcastle, PC Darren Lant is on a mission to
0:19:37 > 0:19:40crack down on the A1's careless drivers.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43There's different levels of careless, isn't there?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45There's something that's just a momentary lapse,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47that doesn't necessarily mean you're a bad driver,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50it just means at that particular time you've had a momentary lapse and
0:19:50 > 0:19:53done something that you shouldn't have. But then you've got the top
0:19:53 > 0:19:56end of careless driver, which is bordering on dangerous driving, as well.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00It's now almost 10am,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03and a driver has performed an extremely dangerous manoeuvre,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06just yards in front of Darren's patrol car.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11This guy, here, was clearly travelling north on the A1,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14and then suddenly decided he wanted to be off at the last minute...
0:20:15 > 0:20:20..and then shot across the solid white line of the hatched areas
0:20:20 > 0:20:21which are there.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23The solid line's there to stop people doing that.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24It's a hazard area.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30He came off at such a rapid pace, he was lucky not to lose control.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33So we're going to stop this gentleman and have a quick chat with him.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37On the A1, it's momentary decisions like this which can change lives.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Good morning, sir.- Morning.- I can only assume that you missed your
0:20:45 > 0:20:47exit, or you thought you were going to miss it, which is why you shot
0:20:47 > 0:20:49across at the last minute?
0:20:49 > 0:20:51I remembered at the last second at the lights in Morpeth.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54All right, OK. Come and have a chat with me about two seconds in
0:20:54 > 0:20:55the car, please.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Careless driving puts all other motorists at risk.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01It's an offence police take very seriously.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02I'm going to caution you.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05You don't have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you
0:21:05 > 0:21:08don't mention when questioned something which you later rely on in
0:21:08 > 0:21:10court, and anything you do say may be given in evidence.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13You're not under arrest, OK? A lot of people hear that and think
0:21:13 > 0:21:14they're arrested. You're not. OK?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16However, the way you're driving there today,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19I'm sure you've probably just been watching it there,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21is clearly not of the standard required, OK?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It was quite clearly a case of careless driving.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31This guy, here, OK, you've cut across the front of him,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34at around about 65, 70mph, you've cut in front of him,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37and you've entered the solid white line, you've entered the hatchings,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39then come out again, all right?
0:21:39 > 0:21:43In extreme cases, those found guilty of careless driving can receive
0:21:43 > 0:21:46disqualification and an unlimited fine.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50I'm going to issue you with what's called a verbal notice of intended prosecution. OK?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52You don't have to say anything, but as I say, you've been cautioned,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55but I'm going to report you for consideration for the question of
0:21:55 > 0:21:58prosecuting you for the offence of careless driving, all right?
0:21:58 > 0:21:59So, you understand why I've stopped you?
0:21:59 > 0:22:02OK, no problem. What we'll do is we'll let you out,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04and you'll get some paperwork through the post in a couple of
0:22:04 > 0:22:06days' time or so, OK?
0:22:10 > 0:22:12OK, watch your way on out, take care.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15He admits that his driving was wrong,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19it was below the standard required, and that it was a stupid thing to do.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22He remembered at the last moment that there's a set of traffic
0:22:22 > 0:22:25lights up in Morpeth to where he is headed,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27and in order to try and avoid the traffic lights,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29he thought he would come off and come up this road,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32which is why he has pulled aggressively in front of that car,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36and shot across the solid white lines.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39To say how severe is it? It's on a sliding scale.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42That case, there, I think that's pretty bad.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45I think that incident, there, is pretty bad.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48We've got the wet roads, we've got the damp roads, you know,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50and he's travelling at speed, and he's made a very violent
0:22:50 > 0:22:53manoeuvre in front of another car and across a solid white line.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55It could've quite easily gone drastically wrong,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58he could have lost control, so I think that's quite a severe case of
0:22:58 > 0:23:00careless driving, that one.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06This driver is likely to be summoned to appear at his local magistrate's.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10It will be up to the courts to decide the right penalty to impose.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25In Doncaster, traffic officers Rob Larkin and Paul Day are battling
0:23:25 > 0:23:27treacherous conditions on the A1.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Now they've been sent to check on an abandoned van.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37But it looks more like a job for Mulder and Scully.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42There could be a number of explanations why the van is here.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47One possibility is that it's been used to commit a crime, then dumped.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52But whatever the reason, it poses a danger to other motorists.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55So Paul radios his control centre to run a check on the vehicle.
0:23:55 > 0:24:01Alpha Charlie Echo 13, can I get a PNC on this vehicle, please?
0:24:01 > 0:24:02It is abandoned.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It's locked secure and it's displaying hazards,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11but it is on the narrow hard shoulder, over.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12A few minutes later, though,
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Paul finds the mystery has a more down-to-earth explanation.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I can see somebody walking back down now with a can of fuel.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Hiya, boss.- Sorry.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26No, no problem.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28We're just waiting to see... What do you need?
0:24:29 > 0:24:32It's OK. Is it your vehicle?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- Yeah.- Yeah, just out of fuel?
0:24:34 > 0:24:36OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Every year, around 8,000 drivers run out of fuel on major roads in England.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42- OK?- Yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46It's a common problem but it carries a huge risk.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50The hard shoulder of the A1 is a precarious place to be.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53This is quite a regular occurrence, big van, run out of fuel,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55people trying to get to the fuel station.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Although he's on the hard shoulder, as you can see now,
0:25:00 > 0:25:02they're all slowing down to have a look.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05You know, it's not the best place in the world.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08But at least now he has fuel, he can be on his way but it seems
0:25:08 > 0:25:14this driver's not just run out of fuel, he's also run out of luck.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19Battery's flat.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24The driver, Robert, is having problems with his phone, too,
0:25:24 > 0:25:25but Paul helps him out.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27HE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- OK?- Yeah.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36OK.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40There's a bit of a language barrier, so what I'm going to try and do is
0:25:40 > 0:25:42give him a few minutes just to organise some recovery
0:25:42 > 0:25:45or a friend to come, then I'm going to take his details,
0:25:45 > 0:25:46pass it to our control room,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48who will then phone him up and make sure.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51That gives us the opportunity to leave.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54We then tag it for a timescale to come back to it
0:25:54 > 0:25:55to make sure it's gone.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Hopefully, it'll be all sorted.
0:26:01 > 0:26:06I'm going to give you two hours to shift it, yeah?
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Two hours to move the car.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11No, no, it's OK, just so you know.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I'm just telling you what we have to do.
0:26:14 > 0:26:21If after two hours this hasn't gone, I'm going to have it moved, OK? Yes?
0:26:21 > 0:26:25It can be a bit problematic at the side of the road just getting
0:26:25 > 0:26:29your point across, and plus, certain foreign nationals are a bit
0:26:29 > 0:26:33nervous of the fact of a uniformed presence being here.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36We try to be as sympathetic as possible,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38but you've got to get your point across, yeah?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Just put this on.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44OK.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48In situations like this, Highways England's advice is that it's safer
0:26:48 > 0:26:52to stand away from a vehicle and the hard shoulder.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54OK? Two hours, yeah?
0:26:54 > 0:26:55Stay out.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Right. Happy.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04A couple of hours later,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Rob and Paul are back to check on Robert and his stricken van.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12They're hoping his friend has turned up with jump leads to start the
0:27:12 > 0:27:15vehicle, but they're prepared for the worst.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17He was on the tiger tail, wasn't he?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Yeah, he was, just right on it where it splits.- He's gone.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22I can't believe it, he's gone.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- I would never...- No.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28I thought that was going to be there for good, that one.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32With the stricken van moved, it's a good result for Paul and Rob,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36and it means the A1 is now a much safer place to drive tonight.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39He's done everything we've asked of him, he's recovered his vehicle,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42everybody's happy, nobody's crashed into anybody, cones and lights,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44away we go.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Just south of Scotch Corner,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Santa's reindeer are nearing their final destination.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04The herd is en route to its first Christmas event of the season near
0:28:04 > 0:28:09Wetherby, nearly 350 miles from their home in the Cairngorms in Scotland.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Junction 46, we're coming off at.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17They'll spend the next two weeks travelling to shows up and down the country.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21We are very old-fashioned, and we just use road maps,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24rather than iPads or sat navs or anything like that.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26I feel you can't really go wrong with a road map.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29It's not going to lie to you, you're not going to run out of battery.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34As you'd expect, Santa's reindeer are well travelled,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36and spend a lot of time on the A1.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41I think I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with going on tour.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46I usually dread it, and then when I'm actually away, I quite enjoy it.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51Four miles off the A1 is a real winter wonderland - Stockeld Park.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Like many businesses,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56the attraction relies on the Great North Road for a large number of its
0:28:56 > 0:29:00visitors, especially during the run-up to Christmas.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05Now, after a journey on the Great North Pole Road, spanning two days,
0:29:05 > 0:29:07the stars of Santa's parade have arrived.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- Hiya. Nice to meet you. - Are you all right?
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Whereabouts are we going with the reindeer?
0:29:11 > 0:29:13We're going in that pen, there. Perfect.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Are you going to need anything from us while they're in the pen?
0:29:16 > 0:29:17Cup of tea!
0:29:17 > 0:29:18LAUGHTER
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- I can get you a cup of tea.- Reindeer will probably be all right.- Awesome.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24So if you want to start that, I'll go and get you both a cup of tea.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- Thank you very much.- No problem. - And it's 12pm, isn't it,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- that the reindeer are on display from?- Yeah.- Yep, perfect.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31The reindeer can now get used to their surroundings.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33It's pretty heavy, pretty heavy.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34But there's no rest for Hen and Andi.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42And now, with everything in place...
0:29:43 > 0:29:45..the reindeer can finally stretch their legs...
0:29:50 > 0:29:53So we're just going to have a wee jog around with them.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Come on, boys.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00..and some are more eager than others.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Every reindeer is different.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07You get your confident ones, your shy ones,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09and Nutkins is our crazy boy.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12He's a great fun reindeer to have around,
0:30:12 > 0:30:17but he always has to do everything at 100mph.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19He doesn't do anything sensibly or slowly.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Goodness, boys. Honestly!
0:30:22 > 0:30:26They generally respect us as their sort of leaders when we're away.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Minute, are you coming?
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Sometimes they don't at all. Sometimes they ignore us!
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Oh, wow, look at this, Erin! He's lovely, isn't he?
0:30:40 > 0:30:44In just over an hour, the reindeer will perform as part of Santa's parade.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49And whilst the older reindeer have had lots of practice...
0:30:49 > 0:30:51And the baby one's behind him, look.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55..the two calves have never been out in public before.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Basic training starts when they're sort of about five months old,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59but for the first five months of their lives,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02they were just free-ranging out on the mountains at home,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04looking after themselves with their mums.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Our two calves, as yet, you know,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08we're still working out their personalities.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13I think Spartan is going to be quite a quiet, reserved sort of character.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Knock is a little bit more sort of twitchy,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18so he's probably going to be a bit more of a live wire, as it were.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21And that's not the only worry.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25This is the most common month for the older reindeer to shed their antlers.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Good boy.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29And that could be a little awkward.
0:31:30 > 0:31:31He could lose his antlers at any time.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34He could shake his head, and his antlers could fly off right now,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37and it has happened before, which is always slightly embarrassing.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40But hopefully, hopefully he will hold them until after Christmas,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42until his work is done!
0:31:42 > 0:31:43Bye!
0:31:49 > 0:31:51More than 80 miles north, in Newcastle,
0:31:51 > 0:31:56patrol officer PC Alan Keenleyside is continuing his investigations
0:31:56 > 0:32:01into a driver who was speeding towards roadworks along the A1.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- That's him there. - That's the little red car, yeah.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06By working with the Newcastle CCTV team,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09they're able to calculate the length of time the driver was on the A1.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- A picture paints a thousand words. - Yeah.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Alan's also retracing the car's journey
0:32:16 > 0:32:19so he can precisely measure the distance the driver travelled.
0:32:20 > 0:32:233,821 metres.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Back at the station, it's time to piece together all of the evidence.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36Four minutes 40 at that distance is 49mph.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Two minutes 54 is clearly going to be a lot quicker,
0:32:40 > 0:32:42so let's run two minutes 54 into the equation.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50And that gives an average speed of 79.0344mph.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56With the motorist confirmed to be nearly 30mph over the speed
0:32:56 > 0:33:01limit, Alan's heading to speak to him about what action he intends to take.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04If we prosecute this driver through the courts or through the
0:33:04 > 0:33:07fixed-penalty system, this driver's going to lose his licence.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17We've timed your vehicle, and you are going quick.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Your average speed I've calculated at 79mph...
0:33:21 > 0:33:23- All right. - ..in a 50.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26One more mile an hour and you probably would have ended up
0:33:26 > 0:33:27in court at that, all right?
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Because the driver has shown remorse,
0:33:30 > 0:33:35Alan has decided a more lenient penalty is needed on this occasion.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40This here is your offer of a course.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43It's an educational course, all right?
0:33:43 > 0:33:47And it's for careless driving, for changing attitudes. All right?
0:33:47 > 0:33:51But go on the course, have the right attitude, learn from it, all right?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54And come out of it a better driver. All right?
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Being pulled over was, like, a shock, to be honest, but,
0:33:59 > 0:34:05to be fair, I got caught. It's me driving like an idiot.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Like he said, if I was doing one mile an hour over,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10then it would have been a court sentence, and I've accepted it,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13like. It's my own fault.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Alan hopes it's the wake-up call this young driver needed.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19He has shown remorse to me there. Yeah,
0:34:19 > 0:34:24I really think I've made the right decision there, and as long as
0:34:24 > 0:34:27he goes on that course, he'll be staying out of court.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30If I can keep him safe and keep other members of the public safe
0:34:30 > 0:34:33for using the A1 and the other roads in the area, then I've done my job.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46One of the biggest causes of accidents on the A1 is mobile phone use.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51It's a potentially lethal distraction for all drivers.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55In 2015, nearly 17,000 drivers were given on-the-spot fines
0:34:55 > 0:34:59for the offence on Britain's roads.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03In Northumbria, police have joined up with a national campaign to crack
0:35:03 > 0:35:04down on this crime.
0:35:04 > 0:35:10On the A1, just north of Newcastle, PC Darren Lant is on patrol.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13I'm just tootling along here, just looking at the drivers on my right,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16just to see if anybody is doing anything they shouldn't be,
0:35:16 > 0:35:20on their phones, social media, playing with iPhones, iPads,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Kindles, all that sort of stuff.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29Offenders can now receive six points on their licence and a £200 fine,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32but in serious cases, the driver can be taken to court,
0:35:32 > 0:35:36disqualified and fined £1,000.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40What we don't want is someone playing on their phone not to see
0:35:40 > 0:35:42the traffic in front - they've come to a stop -
0:35:42 > 0:35:45and have a repeat of what happened first thing this morning.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49It's still not sinking in to some drivers.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53And Darren knows all the tricks.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56What you'll probably see is, as we drive along,
0:35:56 > 0:36:01is someone who's got their phone up to their ear,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03when they see the police, they kind of just drop the phone,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05and they give the scratch of their ear.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11It's not just talking and texting that can be dangerous.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Darren's spotted a BMW driver whose phone is in full view,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17which can be a real issue.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20He's got his sat nav, he's using his phone as a sat nav,
0:36:20 > 0:36:24which is not a problem, but where he's got it, if you have a look...
0:36:26 > 0:36:28How on earth can he see straight ahead?
0:36:30 > 0:36:34That sat nav is in the most ridiculous position.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37So what I'll do is I'll just pull in behind him,
0:36:37 > 0:36:38and we'll have a chat with him.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Hello, my friend, how are you? Is this your car?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Yes.- Have you got your driving licence?
0:36:52 > 0:36:57OK, your sat nav, you cannot have it there, OK?
0:36:58 > 0:37:02You haven't got full view ahead, OK, you cannot see clear ahead.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05That's in the wrong place. You need that down here, OK?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Or tucked over here, but where it is, you can't...
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Yeah, and you're going to have to take that off there, as well.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14OK, give me two moments to do a couple of checks, OK?
0:37:19 > 0:37:24After radioing the control room, the checks reveal everything is in order,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28so Darren opts for a more lenient approach.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31He's a genuine guy, we're not in the business of persecuting people,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34contrary to what the reputation of traffic officers are.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36We're not real big ogres, we're not here to do that.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39He's got a nice, new clean licence,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41I don't want to tarnish that just for something which could've been
0:37:41 > 0:37:44rectified straight away, which he's done.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47So I'm going to have another quick chat with him and send him on his way.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50But Darren does have some clear words of advice about keeping a
0:37:50 > 0:37:52clear view in future.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54You know where your windscreen wiper goes?
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- Yes.- Nothing in there, OK?
0:37:56 > 0:38:02So anywhere where your wiper goes, nothing in there, OK?
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- All right.- OK, no problem. Take care now.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Sat navs on your phone, yeah, it's perfectly fine, it's not a problem.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14The only issue is where you site it, and when you're using it.
0:38:20 > 0:38:2460 miles south of Newcastle near Wetherby in West Yorkshire.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30After a 340-mile road trip, taking in the A1,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33these Scottish reindeer and their handlers, Andi and Hen,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37are gearing up for their first Christmas parade of the season.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39I think it's time to get the sleigh out.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Just four miles from the A1 in Wetherby, Stockeld Park is the
0:38:45 > 0:38:48setting for the much-anticipated Santa's sleigh ride.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53One of the misconceptions people have often about reindeer is people
0:38:53 > 0:38:56think they're a mythical animal, and they don't exist,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59so they get a huge surprise when they find several reindeer walking
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- round the corner towards them.- It's quite unbelievable.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05I've had the sort of people in their mid-20s coming up to me,
0:39:05 > 0:39:09and just not, like, not believing that these are actually reindeer.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14After Andi and Hen have put the final touches on Santa's sleigh,
0:39:14 > 0:39:17all they need now is the reindeer to get into character.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20All right, Spider, time to do some work.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Two of the most experienced reindeer have been given the prestigious
0:39:24 > 0:39:27task of pulling Santa's sleigh.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30This wooden collar just sits nicely over his neck.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33And whilst one is happy in his harness,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35his friend is not so sure.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38You see Minute's just having a bit of a shake, here,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40he's a really ticklish reindeer.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42He's off!
0:39:42 > 0:39:44LAUGHTER
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Good boy.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52Finally, the older reindeer are ready to be harnessed to the sleigh.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Minute!
0:39:53 > 0:39:55I've got his antler caught in my jumper.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00It's always one of those jobs where you wish that you had, like,
0:40:00 > 0:40:01three hands, rather than two.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06It might just take these guys a couple of minutes just to settle down.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08The first time for them for the year.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14With the parade due to begin in a matter of minutes,
0:40:14 > 0:40:15and the crowds gathering...
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Are you excited to see Santa Claus?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22..it's time for the reindeer to collect the main man.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25OK, mums and dads, boys and girls, get ready, and are we all ready?
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- ALL:- Yes!- Oh, that's not loud enough, are we all ready to see Santa?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- ALL:- Yeah!
0:40:33 > 0:40:34Hello, Santa!
0:40:39 > 0:40:40Santa!
0:40:41 > 0:40:42He's coming!
0:40:45 > 0:40:48More than 200 people have lined up to see the parade.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Give Santa a big cheer and a wave!
0:40:50 > 0:40:53The reindeer need to be on their very best behaviour.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57Minute!
0:40:58 > 0:40:59Just walk!
0:41:01 > 0:41:02Stop pulling!
0:41:03 > 0:41:07After an uncertain start, as they head into the woods,
0:41:07 > 0:41:09they soon get into their stride.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12MUSIC: Jingle Bells
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It's all going very well.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Andi keeps giving me the nod to say they're all OK.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- They're being very well behaved. - Santa! Santa!
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Oh, it's really rewarding, because you know it's another one for them,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27they'll gain in confidence for it as well,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29especially for the first one of the season.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30Good boy.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32You couldn't not be proud of them, really,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35so different from their home environment up in the mountains.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38Half an hour later...
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Whoa, boys.
0:41:41 > 0:41:42..the parade is over.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46So these boys were setting quite a pace,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48so we were marching along a little bit faster than we normally do,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52but Beastie here is quite keen, so that's one under their belts,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54quite literally under their Christmas belts.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Aren't they awesome? They're great.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02The babies have done really well today, they were very well behaved,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04very calm, very relaxed.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07To be honest, they've just been copying the adults,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09and it's been absolutely fine, which is great.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12This is the first time that they've ever been out at an event,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and if they can do that well on their first time, yeah,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17I think that bodes really well for the future.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Home time, boys.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Days like this make the long journey south all worthwhile for Hen and
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Andi, and after loading up, they'll be back on the A1,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30ready to do it all again tomorrow.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38No further action was taken against the female driver who caused the
0:42:38 > 0:42:41accident near Newcastle.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44The motorist who was stopped for careless driving on the A1 near
0:42:44 > 0:42:48Morpeth ended up attending a driver improvement course.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51And Santa's reindeer spent the rest of the festive period travelling up
0:42:51 > 0:42:54and down the A1, including a visit to the road's
0:42:54 > 0:42:56most northerly point - Edinburgh.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Next time, a rush-hour breakdown puts lives on the line...
0:43:02 > 0:43:07The effects of hitting a wagon at 40, 50, 60mph can be fatal.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11..a deadly disruption as a collapsed power line closes the A1...
0:43:11 > 0:43:14And the pole's either been struck by lightning or it's been hit and
0:43:14 > 0:43:17it's collapsed.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21..and after a 240-mile journey north...
0:43:21 > 0:43:24will bad weather sabotage Sunderland's sea-front spectacular?
0:43:24 > 0:43:26I've rigged in some pretty bad conditions,
0:43:26 > 0:43:28but I think this is the worst I've ever seen.