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 > 0:00:17..connecting 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're going southbound down the A1 on the northbound carriageway.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29But not all journeys go to plan.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34I thought, I'm going to lose my life.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36The cars 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, it's 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 > 0:00:53..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 > 0:01:03We don't know whether we've got the road closed or 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 > 0:01:11..keeping Britain's most iconic road...
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Get out!
0:01:12 > 0:01:14..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 > 0:01:30..a rush-hour breakdown puts lives on the line...
0:01:30 > 0:01:35The effect of hitting a wagon at 40, 50, 60mph can be fatal.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36..a deadly disruption
0:01:36 > 0:01:39as a collapsed power line closes the A1...
0:01:39 > 0:01:41The pole's either been struck by lightning
0:01:41 > 0:01:43or it's been hit and it's collapsed.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Are police attending, I presume?
0:01:46 > 0:01:48..and after a 240-mile journey north...
0:01:50 > 0:01:53..will bad weather sabotage Sunderland's seafront spectacular?
0:01:53 > 0:01:55I've rigged in some pretty bad conditions
0:01:55 > 0:01:57but I think this is the worst I've ever seen.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07In the north-east of England, the A1 road connects Gateshead, Sunderland,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Durham and Newcastle,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13making it a vital arterial route for tens of thousands of commuters.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Rush hour is always busy and any hold-up can become a major incident
0:02:19 > 0:02:20within minutes.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25It's six o'clock, and just outside Newcastle,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29patrol officer PC Alan Keenleyside is racing to the scene of the latest
0:02:29 > 0:02:32incident on the southbound section of the motorway.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37We've had a report of an articulated wagon broken down
0:02:37 > 0:02:39in the middle lane of three.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43It's looking like the brakes have locked on, on the trailer, which
0:02:43 > 0:02:44is actually a common occurrence.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's a fail-safe that HGVs have,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51that if you have any issues with the braking system,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53the brakes will lock on.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56The priority in cases like this is to get there,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00illuminate the scene as best as possible, to give advanced warning
0:03:00 > 0:03:03to members of the public to slow down.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05We're making our way down the A1 now.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Probably a couple of minutes away from the incident.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12The truck is stranded in the middle of this busy motorway.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Traffic is travelling up to 70mph.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Alan's concerned there could be a major pile-up
0:03:17 > 0:03:20and lives could be put at risk.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24There may not be hazard lights at the top of the wagon so the truck
0:03:24 > 0:03:27could be, to all intents and purposes, stationary,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29but invisible to members of the public.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35The effect of hitting a wagon at 40, 50, 60mph,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38if it's stationary, can be fatal.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43I'm going to have to start fighting through the traffic, here.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Members of the public, they've had a long day in the office
0:03:49 > 0:03:52and this is a major inconvenience to them getting home.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Traffic officers are already on the scene,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59warning drivers of the blockage.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Get some cones out and just cone it off.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05The priority now is to make the area safe by sealing off the inside lane
0:04:05 > 0:04:08so a recovery vehicle can gain access.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13What we're hoping to happen by doing this,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16we're going to be able to get up the near side of the wagon,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18do some remedial repairs and get the vehicle moving,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22so it might look like we're being a bit extreme but by doing this,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26hopefully, the vehicle will be moving in the next few minutes.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29If it doesn't work, it's going to be a big recovery.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Two lanes are now closed and hundreds of vehicles are caught up
0:04:32 > 0:04:36in the tailbacks. It's frustrating for commuters, but a necessity.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Unfortunately, what we can't have is
0:04:40 > 0:04:42a stranded vehicle in the middle lane
0:04:42 > 0:04:46and have two lanes of vehicles moving either side of it.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49I know people will think this is probably crazy.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50We just can't have it, all right?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52So people will be driving past going,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54"What's wrong with the left-hand lane?"
0:04:54 > 0:04:57People are going to be moving around this wagon to affect the repairs to
0:04:57 > 0:04:58try and get the vehicle going.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01We can't have cars driving past.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04All it takes is one person, because naturally,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06when people look to the right, the car goes to the right.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09When people look to the left, the car goes to the left.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We can't afford that to be happening both sides of the wagon.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15In this case, we've closed the slow lane and we're now going to be
0:05:15 > 0:05:17working to try and get this wagon repaired.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Within just five minutes, the area is secure,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23but the recovery vehicle is still half an hour away.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28What we've got now is five, six miles of traffic building up behind.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32What we need to do now is link in with the recovery firm and get that
0:05:32 > 0:05:36wagon here as quickly as we possibly can to get this wagon moved,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40because I used to like my rugby and I used to play at a reasonable level
0:05:40 > 0:05:43but I couldn't push that! Definitely not.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Alan has done all he can to make the area safe.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- It couldn't happen at a worse place, worse time, could it?- No, it's terrible.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Mechanical breakdown with a vehicle, best will in the world,
0:05:53 > 0:05:54you just can't do anything with it.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58But with stop-start traffic, the risk of a major accident
0:05:58 > 0:06:01further north is growing with every second that passes.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Highways England and Transport Scotland deal with over
0:06:08 > 0:06:144,000 breakdowns every year and each one brings its own challenges.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Head south of Newcastle and the A1 takes drivers through the farming
0:06:17 > 0:06:21fields of North Yorkshire to the coalfields of South Yorkshire,
0:06:21 > 0:06:25where traffic officers Paul Day and Rob Larkin are on duty.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Got one on the hard shoulder, up here.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30They're following up a report about
0:06:30 > 0:06:32a broken-down car just past Doncaster.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34It's an incident first dealt with by the night shift.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43He's had a blowout. He's been given a reasonable time to get it sorted,
0:06:43 > 0:06:48so we're going back to make sure that what he's said is right.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- And happens.- And he's left.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Paul and Rob are hoping the car has long gone by now.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57If he's still there, obviously we have to take
0:06:57 > 0:06:59another course of action.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01In the reasonable time that we've given him,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04we expect him to have dealt with it and have gone.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08And that reasonable time is sort of a standardised time limit
0:07:08 > 0:07:10and it's two hours.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16But the car hasn't moved and there's no sign of its driver.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18HE TALKS INTO RADIO
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Until suddenly, he appears from across the fields.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Ah!
0:07:24 > 0:07:27I'll come and talk to you in a minute. Just give me a minute.
0:07:27 > 0:07:3013, apologies, at 16 over six Bravo A1M.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33We've got the vehicle that should've been removed.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Yeah, I'll just have a word with the driver but it is still in situ.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- Over.- They got it at 5:50. - So it's had a good 3.5 hours.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46He's had a long enough time to shift it, so he needs to be moving
0:07:46 > 0:07:48or we need to know why it's still here.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Around 50 people are killed or severely injured in hard shoulder
0:07:52 > 0:07:55accidents each year. This car is parked on a bend,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58leaving other motorists less time to react.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00It is particularly narrow, this bit.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02It's known for getting a lot of accidents.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06I'm not happy about being here myself, to be honest.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07The driver, Bogdan,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10explains he struggled to change the tyre himself.
0:08:10 > 0:08:16He doesn't have breakdown cover but he has called a friend to come and help.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19I wait for a friend to bring me a key to change the wheel.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23I appreciate that, but you've been here 3.5 hours.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- Where's your friend?- Now?
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- Yes.- Coming here.- Where?- Where? From where?- Where?
0:08:29 > 0:08:31From Royston to here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Royston at Barnsley?- Yes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38While Paul tries to trace Bogdan's friend, Rob needs to ensure
0:08:38 > 0:08:42other drivers are aware of the hazard on the hard shoulder.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44Where are you exactly?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48You're eight miles from here?
0:08:49 > 0:08:50Right, bye.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- He's still at home. - Still at home?- Yeah.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59The fact his friend hasn't even left home is not good news for Bogdan.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02He saying it's 15 minutes, but he's still at home.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Why is he still at home three hours after he should've been here?
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I don't know, because don't find me.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, has he come to here and gone back again?
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Yes.- Right.- You can ask.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Yeah, I have but he's still at home. That's what I'm saying.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17You're saying he's in Doncaster, and he's not.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19No, because he's going in Doncaster,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22don't find me, and I think he's going home.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27It's not illegal to drive without breakdown cover, but Bogdan's
0:09:27 > 0:09:30stranded car is posing a risk.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33If he doesn't move it soon, Paul will call the recovery truck
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and Bogdan will be landed with a hefty bill.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42As the only road to link London and Edinburgh,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44the A1 is key for UK industry,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48allowing the transport of freight across 18 different counties.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Tens of thousands of trucks use the A1 every day to move goods around
0:09:53 > 0:09:57the country, and now, 30 miles north of the road's starting point,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01a firework display team is preparing for an explosive weekend.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Right. Big boys.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Matt Matthews and Fraser McFarlane
0:10:12 > 0:10:16are preparing to head 240 miles north on the A1 to Sunderland
0:10:16 > 0:10:19with over a tonne of fireworks in transit.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I want to see what flavour it is. It's a lemon strobe.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Yes, they're quite nice. They are nice effects.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26These aren't for public purchase.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29The bigger the sound, the bigger the boom, the bigger the bang,
0:10:29 > 0:10:30the bigger the smile on my face.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34And big ones that do go bang and do hold in the sky
0:10:34 > 0:10:36definitely get a whoop from the crowd.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42The fireworks will be used in the city's Bonfire Night display.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Just wedge those so they don't roll away.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49And ferrying this precious cargo smoothly up the A1
0:10:49 > 0:10:52means safety always comes first.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54When we're transporting the fireworks,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57the vehicles that we use have to be to a certain standard.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01The fireworks are kept secure so, one, they can't be
0:11:01 > 0:11:04damaged in transit, and, two, they can't be stolen.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07They are volatile, so anything explosive is volatile.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Before their journey,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14every single firework must be checked and waterproofed.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18This is where we get our practising for Christmas, wrapping presents.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20I can never find the end.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Waterproofing is very important.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28We cannot guarantee it's going to be a nice, shiny day.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31From a weather perspective, high winds can push fireworks
0:11:31 > 0:11:34in the totally wrong direction that we want them to go in.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39That is probably one of the highest factors that will stop the display.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41But the weather isn't their only concern.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45Matt and Fraser need to know exactly what they are carrying
0:11:45 > 0:11:47at any given moment.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49This is one of the things you take with you
0:11:49 > 0:11:51if you have to evacuate the vehicle.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53What is down here, isn't it? Explosive mass.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Mass weight is about a tonne.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56That's a lot.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59With all of the checks complete...
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- That is it.- ..Matt and Fraser can finally hit the road.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05Sunderland, here we come.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16After 20 minutes, the pair join the A1, just north of Stevenage.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Their job means they're well used to driving along this road,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22so it's a good job they like it.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26North of Newcastle, there's some stunning scenery.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30The sea is so close to the edge of the A1
0:12:30 > 0:12:33and it's absolutely fantastic.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34Really nice up there.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37It is a good, ideal road.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42That if you're going to come from Scotland all the way down to London,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44you just have one road.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48You couldn't ask for a better route, anyway.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50With the final destination Sunderland,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53the great north road will take Matt and Fraser through nine different
0:12:53 > 0:12:57counties - plenty of time to think about what awaits them.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01You know you're going to see, probably, some of the best firework
0:13:01 > 0:13:06displays that are going to go up over this weekend, or any weekend.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08There is a bit of anticipation, as well.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Cos it's such a big, public one, as well.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17Until we actually get there, there's a bit of the unknown.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But the forecast for the north-east is strong winds and storms.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25After hours on the road, could bad weather scupper their plans
0:13:25 > 0:13:28for the fireworks to go off with a bang?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Just ten miles west of Sunderland,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36the A1 hits a busy three-lane stretch on the edge of
0:13:36 > 0:13:39the north-east's biggest city, Newcastle.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41And now, traffic is at a standstill.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46A lorry's brakes have seized up on the southbound side,
0:13:46 > 0:13:48meaning two lanes have been closed.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52A1 patrol officer PC Alan Keenleyside
0:13:52 > 0:13:56is battling to get the motorway open as quickly as possible.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58We've tried to reset the systems on this wagon.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Unfortunately, it's been unsuccessful.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04We're going to have to arrange a recovery.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07For 30 minutes, two lanes of the motorway have been closed.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11There's already more than six miles of standing traffic.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13The truck's driver is Joe Steele.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15So, what's the crack, Joe? What's happened?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Stuck in traffic, coming up the hill.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19And, obviously, it was moving slowly.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Next thing I know, the brakes lock on.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24And, obviously, I just checked it over and it's not...
0:14:24 > 0:14:25Great. Brakes on the trailer?
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Brakes on the trailer. So it's just not ...
0:14:27 > 0:14:30There's no pressure. You can hear the hissing coming from the front.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Yeah.- So there's a leak somewhere.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34And that's a fail-safe of the trailer, isn't it?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Yeah.- So if you've got an issue,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39they'll lock on, rather than not work.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Yeah, yeah.- So the pressure actually keeps the brakes...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It locks it on when you start it up,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47the pressure takes it off and when the pressure fails,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49it actually locks the brakes on, doesn't it?
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Yeah. Safety features.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54Joe uses the A1 regularly,
0:14:54 > 0:14:58transporting freight between the north-east and Yorkshire.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01So he can sympathise with his fellow road users.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07I'm frustrated for everyone else, so I find it very frustrating.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10It's just causing... Causing chaos, you know.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I couldn't foresee it, otherwise I would've chosen lane one to be in,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17so I wouldn't have caused so much trouble for everyone else.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20The brakes have decided they don't want to play ball today.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21So, you know, just unlucky.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Unlucky day. Unlucky day.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Finally though, after 45 minutes, the truck mechanic is on the scene.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33- Hello, mate, you all right?- Yeah.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Just go on, you've got lane one to work in, as well,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37so fill your boots, all right?
0:15:41 > 0:15:42He can hear the engine revving.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46He's trying to get the air in the system to build up pressure to
0:15:46 > 0:15:48release the brakes. So by revving that engine,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51it's going to get the air pressure up as quick as he can,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54so this is the mechanic just triaging the wagon.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57This is like what a doctor does in resus with a patient.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59And this is what the mechanic's doing.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02And you can hear the air coming out the front of the wagon, here,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05so there's clearly an issue that may still require...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Even though the mechanic's here, it may still require recovery.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11You can hear the air coming out of there.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13That shouldn't be sounding like that.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17It's not looking good...
0:16:18 > 0:16:22..and tailbacks are growing with every second that passes.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24But in situations like this,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27light relief can be found in the most unlikely of places.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Terry the turtle.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Does it...? Does he get some smiles from kids and things?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Yeah, he does, yeah. Puts smiles on people's faces.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38That's what it's all about, isn't it?
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- What it's about.- Bit of cheekiness.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45But, today, it's the mechanic who's putting smiles on faces.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49He's managed to patch up the brakes, meaning the truck can leave the A1.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Happy with that, all right? No worries, at all. I'll follow you up.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Yeah, I'll follow you up, all right? Just in case there's an issue.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01But get into this lane straightaway, all right? Right, lads!
0:17:01 > 0:17:04And Alan and the other traffic officers can reopen the road.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10A1's back open, my colleagues in the Highways Agency have just lifted
0:17:10 > 0:17:12that now, so cars should be starting to come past here.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Again, it will be getting up to around 40, 50mph.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17I would imagine, however,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21we're going to be looking at the best part of 40 minutes, 45 minutes,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24until the backlog starts to work its way through.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27This is where it gets quite frustrating for members of the
0:17:27 > 0:17:30public because they're sitting in a traffic jam and all of a sudden,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32they get there and there's nothing apparent.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35It's just that residual traffic that we need to start moving
0:17:35 > 0:17:36through the scene to get going again.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Alan escorts the lorry to some local services for further checks.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46This is actually a truck stop,
0:17:46 > 0:17:48so the driver will spend the night here.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52He's actually gone out of hours as a result of this breakdown.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56And he's now due a 15-hour lay down overnight.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58So this is him parking up.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01This will be his bedroom for the next 15 hours.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Despite rush-hour delays for commuters,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Alan has helped get this stretch of the A1 moving again
0:18:07 > 0:18:09without any serious incidents.
0:18:09 > 0:18:15It is pretty rare for a vehicle to stop in a live lane at rush-hour.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18It's pretty rare. So when it happens, it does test us.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21We've got to get there quickly, we've got to make it safe.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24We've also got to think outside the box a little bit
0:18:24 > 0:18:25to get the issue rectified.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34The A1 near Washington is a three-lane stretch of motorway
0:18:34 > 0:18:39and as the stranded HGV proved, just one incident can cause chaos.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43But between Newcastle and Edinburgh,
0:18:43 > 0:18:47the road alternates between dual and single carriageway.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49It takes motorists through some of
0:18:49 > 0:18:52the UK's most spectacular landscapes,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55but when there's a problem, there is literally nowhere to turn.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01In the Newcastle CCTV control room, Ian Lee is the man responsible for
0:19:01 > 0:19:06keeping the traffic flowing in one of the busiest sections of the A1.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Adam, can you drop that camera for us?
0:19:10 > 0:19:14It's now October and it's the Friday before half-term,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17so the A1 will soon be busy with people heading out on holiday.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25Yeah, we have in excess of 60, 70 cameras that cover the A1,
0:19:25 > 0:19:27predominantly around the A1 western bypass.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29You know, there's a nice one with the Angel Of The North
0:19:29 > 0:19:32in the background. That's an accident blackspot.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Blaydon Bridge, that crosses the Tyne.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36There's no hard shoulder on the bridge.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38So when something does break down,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41traffic does start coming to a standstill really quickly.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45So far, apart from the odd breakdown, it's been a quiet shift.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47I'll get two to go to the other one.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50And then we'll sort it out from there, mate.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52It's a bit of an average day.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55We're not having anything overstretched.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59But, to be honest, within five minutes, that could soon change.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05And just minutes later, Ian's prediction comes true.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09NCC, you're speaking to Adam.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Reports are coming in that live electricity cables have fallen onto
0:20:13 > 0:20:15the carriageway, blocking the road.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19It's a ScottishPower cable.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22It's attached to a pole going across the A1.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25And the pole's either been struck by lightning or it's been hit
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and it's collapsed and the cables are across the floor.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29Are police attending, I presume?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32We don't know whether they've got the road closed, or...
0:20:32 > 0:20:34We don't know what's happened.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36It's potentially a very dangerous situation,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39and it could hardly have happened in a worse location.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44The actual incident is within this section.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's single carriageway up at Berwick.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48There's very little dual carriageway up there.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52So it does have potential to cause disruption to a lot of traffic.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55The timing's also going to cause issues.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59It's Friday, before the half-term, so we are getting the...
0:20:59 > 0:21:04It's historically the last week of caravanning,
0:21:04 > 0:21:08so we will have a lot of people travelling for long weekends.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Probably in the next two hours,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13the traffic will be picking up in that area.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15So we'll hopefully be looking to resolve this
0:21:15 > 0:21:16in the next couple of hours.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21With one of the major roads between England and Scotland closed,
0:21:21 > 0:21:25it's a serious accident and Ian needs to head to the scene.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Kelvin, is ScottishPower at scene at the minute, over?
0:21:31 > 0:21:35In Berwick, the road is closed in both directions.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Traffic is being sent on a five-mile diversion.
0:21:38 > 0:21:431-1, I'm now at scene, I'm going to be liaising with contractors, over.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44- RADIO:- I'll await your update.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Right, John,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I understand the cables have gone down, is that right?
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- This is what's happened.- Right. - Pole's snapped right at the top.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58There's obviously been a problem up here with one of these dishes.
0:21:58 > 0:21:59- It's burnt away.- Right.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01And it's been trying to track down the pole.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03What it's done is it's hit the weakest point
0:22:03 > 0:22:04and the pole's snapped.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Right, got you.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08But with the cables suspended,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Ian's struggling to grasp why the A1 cannot be reopened.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Sorry, just for my ignorance, I suppose,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16this vehicle's doing what at the minute?
0:22:16 > 0:22:17It's holding up this line.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Right.- Once we release the tension on these conductors...
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Yeah.- ..there's nothing holding that line up.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Oh, sorry, that way. - That way.- Got you. Right.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28So from post, that way. Right.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33There's no way the road can open until the work is complete.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37The question's been asked just from my hierarchy down south,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40is can we get this open in the near future?
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Right. I've already discussed it with the guys in the bottom, there.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46I would be reluctant to let traffic come through here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48Right.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53The road has already been closed for three and a half hours
0:22:53 > 0:22:56and it's now approaching tea-time on a half term weekend.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59But there's nothing Ian can do but wait.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Six counties away near Doncaster,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09two traffic officers also have a problem to deal with.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16A car has been sat on the hard shoulder of this busy stretch for
0:23:16 > 0:23:19three hours and Paul Day and Rob Larkin need it shifting.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25I've phoned your friend, he says he's 15 minutes away, which is fine.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28But because you've had over the time that they've given you...
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Yeah.- ..what I'm going to do,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33is I'm going to start our removal process going.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36It won't matter to you, it just means that they're running
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and if he can't find you or something else goes wrong,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41this can't stay here any longer.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- OK?- OK.- So what they'll do,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47they'll come and they'll remove the car from the side of the motorway.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Safest place, which is the next junction.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52And that will be the cost. OK?
0:23:52 > 0:23:56The driver, Bogdan, has been waiting for his friend to come and rescue
0:23:56 > 0:24:00him ever since his tyre blew out. But his friend hasn't shown up.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05He's called somebody. He's saying that they can't find him.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07So he's gone to a house up here
0:24:07 > 0:24:10to then use their phone to call him again.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I've rung him again and he's saying he's eight miles away.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17This lad's saying he's in Royston, which is eight miles away.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18- Barnsley?- Yeah.
0:24:18 > 0:24:24So what I think we do, is we get start rolling, regardless...
0:24:25 > 0:24:27..and we give it 15 minutes.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29I think that's the safest way.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Yeah. Well, he's had his time, hasn't he?
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- He's had three hours. He's had three and a half hours.- Yeah.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Though hard shoulders can be used for emergencies,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43they are not the safest place to stop.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Now Paul has spotted something that makes this incident
0:24:46 > 0:24:50even more dangerous. Bogdan's wife is still in the car.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Has your wife got a warm coat?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Yes, blanket from her sister.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Right, she needs to get out of the car,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03because if any of these come across here and hit that car,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- there will be trouble, all right? - OK.- All right.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Highways England's advice is always to stand away from your vehicle
0:25:10 > 0:25:13in event of a breakdown, whatever the weather.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Keep watching traffic, because it's dangerous, all right?
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Stay here.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Doreen was on her way to an interview,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22an interview she will now miss.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26I'm OK. I'm a little disappointed
0:25:26 > 0:25:29because I didn't get to the interview.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I will send them an e-mail when I get home.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37It was for team manager, the interview.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Yes, I am pretty sad about it because it was a good job.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45We will see.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49If the couple don't shift the car soon,
0:25:49 > 0:25:54a removal truck will move it for them and it will cost £150.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59But just as Bogdan is starting to give up hope about his friend showing up...
0:25:59 > 0:26:02This could be him. The guy on the bridge.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04You need to tell this fella how to get here.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08..he appears, albeit in the wrong place.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Luckily, Rob knows a quick route down and soon the elusive friend
0:26:12 > 0:26:14can get to work, with a bit of help from Paul.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Don't lift it any higher than that.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Take them nuts out, and then hit it.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Because I don't think that wheel will come off.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26I think the wheel will be stuck on, because it's absolutely solid, that.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31Because them wheel nuts were so tight, the alloy's fused to the hub.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35It oxidises and it causes a really tight seal.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37It happens a lot.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39I don't want it too high, because he's got to get that wheel off.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45The wheel is fixed, and all's well that, after three and a half hours,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47finally ends well.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54I'm now happy because everything is OK.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58And there's just some time for some friendly advice from Paul.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59If you ever need it again,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02you need to use the emergency phones at the side of the road.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06They tell you, tell us, exactly where you are,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08and you can talk to us.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Then our control room could have put you through to your friend
0:27:11 > 0:27:14and patched you in, and it would have been resolved on the phone.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Yeah? All right?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19So just keep that in mind when you are travelling up and down.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Thank you, thank you.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23OK, hope your job goes OK.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26And thanks to the traffic officers,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Bogdan and his wife, Doreen, are back on the road.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33100 miles north of Doncaster,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36the A1 nears the Tyne and Wear city of Sunderland.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Today, plans are underway for a huge fireworks display.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45But heavy storms are battering the seafront.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Organiser Steve Hobbs has travelled up the A1
0:27:50 > 0:27:53directly from a rather sunnier south of England.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57I set out this morning, and I was feeling quite optimistic.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00I was looking at the blue sky and no clouds.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Probably about Wetherby, I think it was, or something,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05the clouds started to close in.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12Unfortunately, the old cliche of it being cold and wet in the North
0:28:12 > 0:28:13seemed to be coming to light.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Certainly when I came round the corner here to get to the first
0:28:17 > 0:28:19sight of the pier and saw the waves crashing over it,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21I thought I was going to have a challenging day.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Meanwhile, Matt and Fraser have also arrived with their fireworks
0:28:27 > 0:28:29for tonight's event.
0:28:31 > 0:28:38I was expecting it to be nice sunshine and calm winds.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Unfortunately, we've got high winds, rain, and we've had sleet as well.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Not what I was anticipating.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46My car felt like it was going to blow over.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47I've just got my boots on.
0:28:49 > 0:28:50The wind caught the van.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53If it turns, we'll just have to pull the plug.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59With such rough conditions, Steve must brief the team.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Welcome to Sunderland.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03This is our firing site.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08We are not going right out to the end, because, as you can see,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10the water is breaking over it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11Obviously, please be very careful.
0:29:11 > 0:29:18Tarpaulins, bags, tool boxes, cars, may blow over the side.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21We've got to compensate for the wind, so we need to angle this way,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23I think, to spread the show a bit.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28They've just told me the forecast for this evening is 37 knots.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33If it's going to be that strong, I'm not at all sure
0:29:33 > 0:29:35whether it's going to be worth doing the show.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37But what I'll probably do is call the organisers
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- to see what they think. All right? - Can I go get an ice cream?
0:29:41 > 0:29:42Of course!
0:29:44 > 0:29:48After ferrying one tonne of fireworks on the A1 for hours,
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Matt and Fraser are keen to put on a display, rain or shine.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57But organiser Steve is still worried that tonight
0:29:57 > 0:29:58could be a wash-out.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00The biggest fear I've got is that
0:30:00 > 0:30:04if we get the water breaking over the side of the breakwater -
0:30:04 > 0:30:07you can see it is pretty high on the side, there -
0:30:07 > 0:30:11we really don't want the electrics of the show to be doused
0:30:11 > 0:30:14in salt water, because that would cause us problems.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18I'm extremely cold, but I'm still dry.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- Still dry.- Me, I'm drenched.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22I can feel it. I'm soaked.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28But then the bad weather closes in.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Steve's concerns are growing,
0:30:30 > 0:30:32so he calls head office for a second opinion.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- PHONE:- As it stands, as a show, worst case, we can't fire,
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- we don't even think we can set it up.- Yeah.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Best-case scenario, we have to pull the big ones out,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44but we'll also need to knock time off the show.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45That's helpful, thanks.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51What Reno suggested, which is a good compromise,
0:30:51 > 0:30:55is the possibility that we cut the show back, take the shells out,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58because they're the high-flying effects which will take off most
0:30:58 > 0:31:01in the wind. That would allow us to come closer in shore,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03because of the smaller effects.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I've never had to pull a show before.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10I've rigged in some pretty bad conditions,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13but I think this is the worst I've ever seen.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16There's no point doing an unsatisfactory show to two guys
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and a dog standing on the beach at nine o'clock at night.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23If conditions don't improve, Steve could be forced to pull the plug.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Could Matt and Fraser's great journey have been for nothing?
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Keeping the A1 moving is a priority for any traffic incident manager.
0:31:36 > 0:31:3980 miles north of Sunderland in Berwick, though,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Ian Lee has a huge problem.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47On this stretch of single-lane road, the A1 has been completely closed
0:31:47 > 0:31:51for four hours after a power cable fell onto the carriageway.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- RADIO:- Problems currently on the A1 at Berwick,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55they've closed the A1 there.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58All traffic is having to divert through Berwick.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Ian is battling to get the road reopened,
0:32:01 > 0:32:03because busy half-term traffic is mounting up.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- PHONE:- In terms of the incident, I know you're at the scene,
0:32:08 > 0:32:10have you got any other update?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13I can give you an update. I've been here literally ten minutes.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I've spoke to SP Energy, who are the contractors for this area.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19There's now no cables at all on the A1,
0:32:19 > 0:32:26but what we do have is a four-wheel drive vehicle keeping the tension on
0:32:26 > 0:32:30the existing three cables that are crossing,
0:32:30 > 0:32:34that go to things like customers' houses, etc, etc.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37This tension can't be released.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42Is that work planned to take the next eight hours, Ian,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44in terms of getting those works done?
0:32:44 > 0:32:48At the minute all he's given us is that original time slot.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50I suspect he gave me one of them looks as if to say,
0:32:50 > 0:32:52"If you stop talking to us,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54"I'll get it done quicker as well," but, erm...
0:32:56 > 0:32:58There's nothing more Ian can do
0:32:58 > 0:33:01than wait while the engineers try to fix the lines.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Over the top far side now.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18So the road has been shut for quite some time now.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24The original incident came in around 12.40 this afternoon.
0:33:24 > 0:33:30It's now 6.35, so we're still looking at probably about 10.30,
0:33:30 > 0:33:3411 o'clock reopening time.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42With a damaged pole and cables already being replaced,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46the engineers are making better progress than expected.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Contractor John finally has some encouraging news for Ian.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52If all is good, I don't want to...
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Oh, go on, excite us, mate.
0:33:54 > 0:33:55If all is good...
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- ..eight o'clock? - That will do for us.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Might get back for the last gin and tonic.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Two hours on, John has proved as good as his word.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Champion. Right.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13The repairs are now complete.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Now Ian needs to get the road moving once more.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19The incident support, they will go down to the bottom closure now.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23As soon as we make sure that the southbound is clear,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26they will open that and we will also strip back the northbound
0:34:26 > 0:34:28and then the road will be fully open.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32You know, three hours ahead of schedule
0:34:32 > 0:34:33is an absolute bonus for us.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38For Ian, it's been a successful end to a tough day...
0:34:41 > 0:34:43..and he might even get home for that drink after all.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Happy days?
0:34:54 > 0:34:59Nearly 200 miles south, the A1 cuts through the heart of Yorkshire.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04It's rush hour and just west of Doncaster, traffic officers
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Paul Day and Rob Larkin are trying to reach
0:35:07 > 0:35:12a couple with a baby who have broken down on the hard shoulder.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15We have driven past a breakdown. Unfortunately we are in the wrong
0:35:15 > 0:35:19lane to get behind it so we have driven round to attend it.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23The lady is out of the car but she's carrying a young kid with her
0:35:23 > 0:35:27so we will go and welfare this, make sure she's all right.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32This stretch of the A1 is unlit, so anybody stranded
0:35:32 > 0:35:35by the side of the road is particularly vulnerable.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38But if they are trying to look after children,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40the risks are even greater.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- Evening.- How are you doing? - You all right?- Yeah.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46- What's the problem?- Broke down.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- Literally coming down there. - Yeah?- Just conked out on me.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- Right.- Luckily I was on the side of the lane, so...
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Yeah. I've phoned a recovery truck anyway, they're on their way out.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59They said they will be here in about 20 minutes.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- Fantastic. What's your name, boss? - Miles.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Standing away from the car and with recovery en route,
0:36:07 > 0:36:08they are doing everything they should,
0:36:08 > 0:36:12but Paul is still keen to make sure they are safe and warm.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Hello, beautiful.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Do you want a foil blanket for him?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Yes, please.- We'll sort it out.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21I'll nip back and get you a foil blanket then.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23Do you want one? Are you warm enough?
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- I'm all right.- Sure? Yeah.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30While Paul gets the blankets, Rob assesses the traffic.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35We are between junctions 36 and 37 on the northbound.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38For me, in particular, this is a horrible stretch of road.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42The hard shoulder is no thinner than normal but it just seems to be that
0:36:42 > 0:36:47here, it feels a lot more unsafe than anywhere else.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51I mean this traffic, we've had nearly a couple of bumper scuffs
0:36:51 > 0:36:53because it's moving slowly,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56but it's just a horrible stretch of road, it really is.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59It's one of the most uncomfortable bits that I work on.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Checking up on stranded drivers offering reassurance and assistance
0:37:05 > 0:37:07is an important part of a traffic officer's work.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09All good? There you go.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- Then you go like that, you go like that.- Cheers.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17And it's a welcome presence for Miles and Heather.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21The first time I've ever broke down in my car, this,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24so it's pretty... Mayhem, really. Scary.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28So there's not much places you can go, just keep yourself safe.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31You are doing the right thing. Keep your eye on traffic behind you.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Right, boss, I'll pass your details onto our control room and they'll
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- give you a ring, just make sure you're on your way.- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39It looks like it's oil or something because it looks like
0:37:39 > 0:37:42it's all mucky at the back, but it could be anything,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44so, everything is good from our point of view.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46As long as you're warm enough, we're all right.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- All right?- Thanks very much. - Not a problem, mate. See you later.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Paul and Rob are satisfied the young family is out of harm's way,
0:37:53 > 0:37:55but checking on motorists with children
0:37:55 > 0:37:59is always a top priority for traffic officers on the A1.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Wherever there's kids involved, we do stop straight away, don't we?
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Yes. They get cold really quickly.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07They don't seem to be able to maintain their body heat.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Well, you've got a heightened vigilance with kids.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Rob and Paul's swift action has helped yet more motorists stay safe
0:38:15 > 0:38:19on the A1, and this family will soon be heading home in time for supper.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26100 miles north of Doncaster in Sunderland,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29the city's annual firework display is in jeopardy.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Following a 240-mile trip up the A1 from Luton to Sunderland,
0:38:38 > 0:38:43Steve Hobbs and his team of experts are battling torrential rain to
0:38:43 > 0:38:46stage one of the biggest firework shows in the north of England.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54But the weather could mean the whole event is called off.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58These are the hardest conditions I've ever done a show in.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01The waves are crashing over, the wind...
0:39:01 > 0:39:03It's been a challenge.
0:39:05 > 0:39:06But despite the conditions,
0:39:06 > 0:39:10the organisers have now told Steve they want to carry on regardless.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14I'm not really surprised they want to push ahead.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I mean, they've invested in a big event.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19It's a big deal to suddenly say, "Hey, we can't go ahead."
0:39:19 > 0:39:22I mean, it's pretty rare for people to pull the plug on something
0:39:22 > 0:39:24at such short notice.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26I mean a bit of me almost wishes they did
0:39:26 > 0:39:28because we are stuck out here in the pouring rain
0:39:28 > 0:39:31but hopefully it will all go off as intended.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37And finally, despite the high winds and lashing rain,
0:39:37 > 0:39:42the team have done it, and there's even time to spare for a quick brew.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Sante. Cheers, everyone.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50When this is made into a film, I want to be played by Russell Crowe.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52LAUGHTER
0:39:53 > 0:39:56All they need now are some spectators.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01I have absolutely no idea how many people might turn up.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04So far, my sample of one person in the cafe
0:40:04 > 0:40:07said she wasn't going to stay to watch us!
0:40:11 > 0:40:13It's quarter past nine, and despite the rain,
0:40:13 > 0:40:15the crowds begin to gather.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20And Steve has new concerns.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23I don't know what's going to happen when we push the buttons.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26We've had sea water breaking over some of the positions
0:40:26 > 0:40:29we have rigged, so there's a risk that some stuff won't fire.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33I think for all of us, it's a challenging exercise, so let's hope
0:40:33 > 0:40:35we can bring it to a close successfully.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39With the crowds expecting to be blown away,
0:40:39 > 0:40:41it's the moment of truth.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Box on, let's have the box armed.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50Let's go in three, two, one...
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Go.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55MUSIC PLAYS
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Cue two, go!
0:41:07 > 0:41:11After a long journey north and facing the worst possible weather,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15it's a great outcome as the skies over Sunderland are on fire.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Everybody has worked really, really hard today
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and we are one happy bunch.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Stand by cue three, and go.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28MUSIC PLAYS
0:41:46 > 0:41:47I heard some cheering -
0:41:47 > 0:41:50I'm not sure if that was the crew or the audience!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52For how much effort we've had to put in,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55for what we've had to tolerate today, that was spot on.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58That was teamwork and it was absolutely perfect.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05Tomorrow the team will head back on the A1 again to the south.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07For now, the work is done.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Once we've packed up, we're off down to a hotel
0:42:10 > 0:42:12and we will get showered,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14we will get dried, and if the bar is open,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17we may have a little celebration, who knows?
0:42:23 > 0:42:25The family who broke down on the A1
0:42:25 > 0:42:28were recovered just a short time later and transported home.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32The lorry's brakes were fixed at the services,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35allowing the driver to continue his deliveries.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38And the day after the display,
0:42:38 > 0:42:42the fireworks team headed back down the A1 and on to France.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Next time: Police pull a suspected stolen car...
0:42:49 > 0:42:51We've had a report this car is stolen.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53..and its driver lands in double trouble.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Have you been drinking, mate? I can smell drink on you.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00A truck breakdown...
0:43:00 > 0:43:01We have got a live lane coming out here,
0:43:01 > 0:43:03just watch traffic coming there.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05..puts lives on the line.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Keep going. Steady.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09And after a six-hour journey on the A1,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12will this pampered pooch bring home the big prize?
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Pretty stiff competition, so if we do well, we've done really well.