The Motorway Men

The classic 1970s sitcom about a lively gang of labourers working on the motorways In 1971, Radio 2’s Comedy Parade – a showcase for new comedy – aired two pilots that would go on to become the highly popular series Parsley Sidings and The Motorway Men. Though the latter ran for just one series in early 1972, it succeeded in gaining up to five million listeners. Featuring the comic escapades of unruly road crew Number 9 Gang, it starred Dad’s Army stalwarts Bill Pertwee and James Beck as flustered foreman Ponsonby and naive Cockney lad Steve, alongside bolshy shop steward Irish (Milo O’Shea), wily Welshman Randy (Richard Davies), bungling bosses Hanson (Anthony Sagar) and Fairfax (Richard Caldicot) and camp surveyor Peter Stephens. Titillating their palates and keeping them all well provisioned is posh canteen manager Gladys (Amanda Murray). In these nine entertaining episodes, the hapless highway operatives go on the fiddle to sell off some surplus coal and cement; run into a spot of bother with a bulldozer; get their link roads and their flyovers in a muddle (and accidentally bury Steve in the process); and uncover an ancient Roman hypocaust, only to find themselves participating in an archaeological dig. They also get into a bit of argy-bargy with Farmer Barrett (and his bull); attempt to impress an observer from a Chinese trade delegation; are sent to extend the runway at London Airport (and end up winging it) and have a bit of trouble with technology in the shape of a new-fangled American steamroller and a specially customized boat... *Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes Cast and credits* Written by Peter Child and Peter Matthews Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston Ponsonby – Bill Pertwee Steve – James Beck Irish – Milo O'Shea Randy – Richard Davies Mr Fanshaw/Mr Fairfax – Richard Caldicot Hanson – Anthony Sagar The Surveyor – Peter Stephens Gladys/Air Traffic Controller – Amanda Murray The Minister – Nigel Graham Victoria – Gretta Gouriet Farmer Barrett – Alan Thompson With thanks to Keith Wickham and The Radio Circle First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 21 March 1971 (pilot episode), 2 February-22 March 1972 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd