‘Without us, no wheel would turn’: the unsung heroes keeping England’s transport moving

In the world of transportation, there are countless workers who toil away behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. One such group of unsung heroes are the airport tarmac workers, who often go unnoticed but play a critical role in keeping the airport operations moving.

One such worker is Jack Quantick-Thorne, who works at Heathrow airport. His job involves ensuring that the runway is clear of rubber after an A380 lands, which can be as heavy as a car's entire tyre. He uses paddles to marshal planes into designated spots, but most passengers are unaware of his existence, often mistaking him for someone using table tennis bats.

Quantick-Thorne's role also involves monitoring the road system under Heathrow's airfields and checking for any traffic infringements, including issuing points on drivers' licenses. He also keeps an eye out for wildlife, particularly birds, which pose a significant danger to jet planes. To deter birds, he uses speakers to play bird sounds, causing them to fly away.

Another group of unsung heroes are the roadworks officers, such as Chris. They are responsible for keeping bus routes moving smoothly during roadworks in busy areas like Westminster. They have a van equipped with tools and materials to address any issues that arise, such as debris or blocked roads. They must also be prepared for unexpected incidents, such as a collapsed horse on a bridge or an upside-down Lamborghini on a street.

On the other hand, railway signallers, like Sarah, operate from remote centers and control trains throughout the UK. They use computer systems to guide trains on their routes, replacing the traditional lever-pulling methods of the past. Their job requires constant monitoring and communication with train drivers to ensure safe and efficient train operations.