Family at Work This Christmas: Highways England’s Heroic Traffic Officers
This Christmas Day, while most are feasting and unwrapping presents, a unique family affair is unfolding on England’s motorways. Highways England’s frontline traffic officers – including married couples, father and son, and mother and son duos – will be working round the clock to keep travellers safe.
On Duty While Others Feast
Angela and Greg Fenne will be patrolling the A38 and M5 in Devon, spending Christmas apart from the usual family dinner. Angela said:
“Christmas Day may be a bit unusual for us but we want everyone to have safe Christmas journeys and we can celebrate later! Our Christmas message to anyone driving is to check your vehicle before you set off — to help ensure you get to your destination safely.”
In nottingham/" title="Nottingham" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Nottingham, father and son Nick and Phil Shaw will be monitoring motorways from the control room. Meanwhile, near bristol/" title="Bristol" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Bristol, Beverley Mears and her son Tom Daw will be keeping watch over the South West’s roads.
Christmas Shifts, Family Bonds
Angela and Greg, based in Devon, have worked together at Highways England for over 10 years. Starting their shift at 2pm, Angela says:
“It’s better that we both work the Christmas Day shift. We’ll pop in to see our daughter en route to work and although we won’t finish until after 10pm, we’ll enjoy our Christmas lunch with family a few days later on our day off.”
Nick and Phil Shaw requested the same shift to balance work and family life. Phil, a dad to a two-year-old, explained:
“I’ll watch my son open presents before we head off. We’ll eat before the shift starts, then Dad and I will go to work.”
Nick, a former police officer of 30 years, said:
“Phil grew up knowing I’d have to work holidays. Christmas wasn’t normal in our household, but you adapt. We celebrate on Christmas Eve — we won’t miss out.”
South West Operations Manager Beverley and son Tom face their first Christmas Day shift together, starting early at 4.30am. Beverley shared:
“I usually prepare dinner for family, including Tom, but this year we’ll cook earlier and celebrate later. My husband Andy promised to bring bacon butties for the control room team. It’ll be a proper family affair, even at work.”
Keep Safe This Festive Season – Prepare Your Ride!
Despite Christmas Day being the quietest for motorway incidents last year, officers still attended 611 incidents, including 343 breakdowns and 24 collisions. They urge drivers to avoid roadside troubles by performing simple vehicle checks before setting off.
Phil Shaw advises:
“Prevention is better than cure. Checking tyres, oil, and fuel before you travel will help avoid breakdowns and ensure everyone has a happy Christmas.”
Angela adds:
“We’re here to help get things moving if problems arise, but to avoid spending Christmas on the hard shoulder, make those simple checks before you hit the road.”
Busy Roads Ahead: Plan for the Festive Rush
In the four days leading up to Christmas last year, traffic officers dealt with 310 motorway collisions – nearly half of the total for the whole festive season. The Friday and Saturday before Christmas were especially busy, with 610 breakdowns reported, keeping the officers working hard.
So, this Christmas, as you tuck into your roast or snuggle by the fire, spare a thought for the Highways England families keeping our roads safe on the busiest day of the year.
