A bit of praise for 'unsung heroes'

Incident Support Operatives. They are the 'unsung heroes' of the region's motorway network - until now.

For when driver Jacqui Pointon's car broke down in the middle of a major accident scene Jamie Bramwell rode to her rescue providing the reassurance she needed to get back on her journey.

And Jacqui, 40, of Malpas in Cheshire, has now written to the Highways Agency to thank Jamie for all his help last month.

The outreach nurse who does a lot of driving in her job, said, "It's never nice being a lone female and broken down but in the midst of all this traffic too, it was a bit worrying.

"Jamie was working as part of the team and he straight away came over to check I was ok, he then came back with a cup of tea for me and checked I was ok several more times before my recovery firm came to help me out. I would like to extend my thanks to him."

Jamie, 31, was called to Junction 12 of the M56 just south of Runcorn when a tanker overturned blocking the motorway to other traffic.

As one of dozens of Highways Agency Incident Support Operatives patrolling the region's motorway network at any one time Jamie, who is from Runcorn, drove his Incident Support Unit (ISU) to the scene.

ISUs are run and managed in the area by AOne+ - the Highways Agency's Managing Agent Contractors (MACs). Their bright yellow liveried vehicles, fitted with crash cushions and direction arrows to the rear, are a common sight on the motorway network - but many drivers do not know what they do.

In fact, ISU crews perform a variety of roles working from strategically placed depots to help keep drivers moving in all traffic and weather conditions - so praise from a customer like Jacqui was particularly welcome at the Knutsford motorway depot off Junction 19 of the M6 where Jamie is based.

Jamie said, "Every day is different in this job and each day throws you a new challenge. Sometimes the public look on us negatively when traffic comes to a standstill but we are actually there to help so it is great to receive some recognition of our efforts".

Jamie and colleagues can often be seen working in tandem with Highways Agency Traffic Officers to keep drivers on the move. After an accident they may be deployed to sweep up broken glass, mop up fuel spills or effect repairs on a damaged safety fence. They also assist traffic officers get drivers away from major accident scenes - for example setting up diversion routes around an incident scene.

Jacqui said, "I suppose we just hop into our cars without really thinking about the men and women out there working around the clock to keep us on the move and help us when there is a problem. I didn't know an awful lot about Incident Support Units until I bumped into Jamie but his advice and help during my break down was spot on. He was brilliant."

Arthur Ashburner, Highways Agency Divisional Director, said, "Our ISU teams do a difficult and often thankless job so it is nice when we get letters of appreciation from drivers like Jacqui Pointon."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State Traffic

2. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available: * From our new Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio". * On the internet at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo * By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).

3. Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call

4. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)

Safe driving at roadworks

During 2006 two workers were killed and 19 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.

For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, when you are approaching roadworks:

* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. * Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. * Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering roadworks. * Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. * Observe all signs - they are there to help you.

Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by HA Traffic Operations (North West).

Client ref NWTOPS 01/0308