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

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