Driver praises support worker

Apr 4 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

WHEN Jacqui Pointon’s car broke down in the middle of an accident scene, incident support operative Jamie Bramwell provided the reassurance she needed while she waited to get back on her journey.

Jacqui, 40, of Tilston Road, Shocklach, has written to the Highways Agency to thank Jamie for 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 drove his incident support unit (ISU) to the scene.

The bright yellow 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.

The crews perform a variety of roles in working to keep drivers moving in all traffic and weather conditions – and praise from a customer was particularly welcome.

Jamie, who is based at the Knutsford motorway depot off Junction 19 of the M6, 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.

Highways Agency divisional director Arthur Ashburner 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.”