Quick-thinking Highways England traffic officers ensured that the Riding for the Disabled Association’s fundraising effort was not left short-changed at this weekend’s National Championships in Gloucestershire.
Highways England received reports of debris lying in lane 3 of the M5 near Sedgemoor Services yesterday afternoon. Dispatched to the scene, traffic officers Andy Pollard and Andy White closed off the lane of the motorway and removed a large box from the carriageway.
What they found, in fact, was a box of hooded jumpers belonging to the Riding for the Disabled Association and bound for the annual National Championships at Hartpury College.
Realising the championships were getting under way today, team manager Lee Evans tracked down the RDA, made contact and repatriated the hoodies last night – in good time to make one of the fundraising stands.
Richard Hunter, a merchandiser, sells clothing at the event to help raise funds for the RDA and the box had become dislodged from his trailer as he made his way to the event. The box was transferred via a number of patrol vehicles and Mr Hunter was able to collect the hoodies at services near junction 11A at Gloucester.
He said:
What an amazing level of service, way above and beyond what anyone could have expected. A big thank you to all Highways England staff Involved.
Rob Penney, service delivery manager for Highways England, added:
We were really pleased to help out in this instance and to ensure that the owner was found.
We pride ourselves on the service we provide to road users across the country, it was a good team effort, and we hope the championships are a success for all those involved.
Find out more information on Highways England’s traffic officer service.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
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Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.
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