Pylon fire causes traffic chaos on A404

2:50pm Friday 14th September 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

A PYLON fire and fallen electricity cables have caused traffic chaos on the A404 near Maidenhead today.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said this afternoon: "Emergency services are currently at the scene of a pylon fire at the side of the A404 in Burchetts Green, Maidenhead.

"Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service called Thames Valley Police at 12.28pm, to report a wooden pylon between the Burchetts Green roundabout and the A404M was on fire and road closures were required.

"The fire has now been extinguished and it is hoped a temporary repair can be made this afternoon to allow the road to be re-opened, before the damage to the pylon is permanently repaired when the roads are quieter.

"The A404 is closed both ways between junction 9B of the A404M up to the Burchetts Green roundabout. Police resources are also on the M4 in an attempt to stop traffic coming off the M4 onto the A404M and then the A404.

"Traffic in the area is very heavy and motorists are advised to avoid the area and plan alternative routes."

 

Comments (17)

3:30pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Scarletto says...

It was real chaos.Got caught up in long tail back. People out of their cars sitting on verges.
Was puzzled by long and costly hovering attendance by police helicopter as it was all being dealt with by ground teams below. Big waste of our money?
It was real chaos.Got caught up in long tail back. People out of their cars sitting on verges. Was puzzled by long and costly hovering attendance by police helicopter as it was all being dealt with by ground teams below. Big waste of our money? Scarletto

3:41pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Billy_Gean says...

The helicopter unit would not have been scrambled if it was not deemed to be needed by Police operatives. The helicopter can come in use for many things, such as looking over traffic on surrounding roads, working out where police are needed and to direct them to that location. For example, as mentioned in the post, the M4 has police presence on it, assisting with this issue. This could well have been an outcome of scrambling the helicopter unit. So no, I would not agree it is a big waste of anyone's money, yet a useful resource that we should be glad to have available.
The helicopter unit would not have been scrambled if it was not deemed to be needed by Police operatives. The helicopter can come in use for many things, such as looking over traffic on surrounding roads, working out where police are needed and to direct them to that location. For example, as mentioned in the post, the M4 has police presence on it, assisting with this issue. This could well have been an outcome of scrambling the helicopter unit. So no, I would not agree it is a big waste of anyone's money, yet a useful resource that we should be glad to have available. Billy_Gean

3:58pm Fri 14 Sep 12

stevet123 says...

Billy_Gean wrote:
The helicopter unit would not have been scrambled if it was not deemed to be needed by Police operatives. The helicopter can come in use for many things, such as looking over traffic on surrounding roads, working out where police are needed and to direct them to that location. For example, as mentioned in the post, the M4 has police presence on it, assisting with this issue. This could well have been an outcome of scrambling the helicopter unit. So no, I would not agree it is a big waste of anyone's money, yet a useful resource that we should be glad to have available.
I agree with you on that, but costly, perhaps the Police can get compo from the electricity people
[quote][p][bold]Billy_Gean[/bold] wrote: The helicopter unit would not have been scrambled if it was not deemed to be needed by Police operatives. The helicopter can come in use for many things, such as looking over traffic on surrounding roads, working out where police are needed and to direct them to that location. For example, as mentioned in the post, the M4 has police presence on it, assisting with this issue. This could well have been an outcome of scrambling the helicopter unit. So no, I would not agree it is a big waste of anyone's money, yet a useful resource that we should be glad to have available.[/p][/quote]I agree with you on that, but costly, perhaps the Police can get compo from the electricity people stevet123

4:15pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Billy_Gean says...

stevet123 wrote:
Billy_Gean wrote:
The helicopter unit would not have been scrambled if it was not deemed to be needed by Police operatives. The helicopter can come in use for many things, such as looking over traffic on surrounding roads, working out where police are needed and to direct them to that location. For example, as mentioned in the post, the M4 has police presence on it, assisting with this issue. This could well have been an outcome of scrambling the helicopter unit. So no, I would not agree it is a big waste of anyone's money, yet a useful resource that we should be glad to have available.
I agree with you on that, but costly, perhaps the Police can get compo from the electricity people
Quite possibly.
[quote][p][bold]stevet123[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Billy_Gean[/bold] wrote: The helicopter unit would not have been scrambled if it was not deemed to be needed by Police operatives. The helicopter can come in use for many things, such as looking over traffic on surrounding roads, working out where police are needed and to direct them to that location. For example, as mentioned in the post, the M4 has police presence on it, assisting with this issue. This could well have been an outcome of scrambling the helicopter unit. So no, I would not agree it is a big waste of anyone's money, yet a useful resource that we should be glad to have available.[/p][/quote]I agree with you on that, but costly, perhaps the Police can get compo from the electricity people[/p][/quote]Quite possibly. Billy_Gean

5:53pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Miss Palmer says...

God it was awful luckly I got through really quick and on the way back the queu looked awfull I turned off at Marlow but I am sure the queu must have gone back towards handy cross! Good luck to every one trying to get where there going and to thoes that get all pushy and honk alot every one is hot and fed up but being stupied makes others more stressed! Am pleased to be home and away from it all now!
God it was awful luckly I got through really quick and on the way back the queu looked awfull I turned off at Marlow but I am sure the queu must have gone back towards handy cross! Good luck to every one trying to get where there going and to thoes that get all pushy and honk alot every one is hot and fed up but being stupied makes others more stressed! Am pleased to be home and away from it all now! Miss Palmer

5:53pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Miss Palmer says...

God it was awful luckly I got through really quick and on the way back the queu looked awfull I turned off at Marlow but I am sure the queu must have gone back towards handy cross! Good luck to every one trying to get where there going and to thoes that get all pushy and honk alot every one is hot and fed up but being stupied makes others more stressed! Am pleased to be home and away from it all now!
God it was awful luckly I got through really quick and on the way back the queu looked awfull I turned off at Marlow but I am sure the queu must have gone back towards handy cross! Good luck to every one trying to get where there going and to thoes that get all pushy and honk alot every one is hot and fed up but being stupied makes others more stressed! Am pleased to be home and away from it all now! Miss Palmer

11:29pm Fri 14 Sep 12

Gaulnut says...

I was travelling up from Thorpe (via M25 J13) at about 6pm, and I'm glad to say I checked the trafficengland (Highways Agency) website before I left. As a result I went M25 then M40 and had no real issues other than heavy traffic.
I was travelling up from Thorpe (via M25 J13) at about 6pm, and I'm glad to say I checked the trafficengland (Highways Agency) website before I left. As a result I went M25 then M40 and had no real issues other than heavy traffic. Gaulnut

8:45am Sat 15 Sep 12

Voyeur says...

I saw the warning matrix signs on the M25 clockwise and decided to stay in the traffic jam there until the M40 - glad I did!
I saw the warning matrix signs on the M25 clockwise and decided to stay in the traffic jam there until the M40 - glad I did! Voyeur

11:08am Sat 15 Sep 12

Scarletto says...

30 officers, plus several traffic operatives from the Highways Agency in their similarly marked 4x4s, were soon involved with this operation and there was no real need for the chopper. Boys with their expensive toys! Meanwhile responses to 999 calls were hindered because of officers committed to this incident.
30 officers, plus several traffic operatives from the Highways Agency in their similarly marked 4x4s, were soon involved with this operation and there was no real need for the chopper. Boys with their expensive toys! Meanwhile responses to 999 calls were hindered because of officers committed to this incident. Scarletto

12:12pm Sat 15 Sep 12

listerps2 says...

Scarletto wrote:
30 officers, plus several traffic operatives from the Highways Agency in their similarly marked 4x4s, were soon involved with this operation and there was no real need for the chopper. Boys with their expensive toys! Meanwhile responses to 999 calls were hindered because of officers committed to this incident.
how do you know how many officers were involved and that responses to 999 calls were hindered?

The danger of a fire on a pylon is immense and fallen electricity cables. The use of the helicopter IMO will most probably have been for several reasons - assisting with reports for traffic over a wide and use of the thermocam - we have no idea if this was arson or not? When copters are deployed there is reason.

Oh and women also fly helicopters in the police force - a little sexist your comment there!
[quote][p][bold]Scarletto[/bold] wrote: 30 officers, plus several traffic operatives from the Highways Agency in their similarly marked 4x4s, were soon involved with this operation and there was no real need for the chopper. Boys with their expensive toys! Meanwhile responses to 999 calls were hindered because of officers committed to this incident.[/p][/quote]how do you know how many officers were involved and that responses to 999 calls were hindered? The danger of a fire on a pylon is immense and fallen electricity cables. The use of the helicopter IMO will most probably have been for several reasons - assisting with reports for traffic over a wide and use of the thermocam - we have no idea if this was arson or not? When copters are deployed there is reason. Oh and women also fly helicopters in the police force - a little sexist your comment there! listerps2

4:39pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Scarletto says...

Details apparently came from a police informant... Some areas had reduced police coverage during this incident too and requests for helicopter cover to other incidents were downgraded.
Details apparently came from a police informant... Some areas had reduced police coverage during this incident too and requests for helicopter cover to other incidents were downgraded. Scarletto

6:25pm Sat 15 Sep 12

listerps2 says...

Scarletto wrote:
Details apparently came from a police informant... Some areas had reduced police coverage during this incident too and requests for helicopter cover to other incidents were downgraded.
So heresay then? Thanks for clarifying.

Oh and you do know a police informant is just somebody who tells the police information about crimes and wouldn't know anything about numbers of officers or helicopter deployment.
[quote][p][bold]Scarletto[/bold] wrote: Details apparently came from a police informant... Some areas had reduced police coverage during this incident too and requests for helicopter cover to other incidents were downgraded.[/p][/quote]So heresay then? Thanks for clarifying. Oh and you do know a police informant is just somebody who tells the police information about crimes and wouldn't know anything about numbers of officers or helicopter deployment. listerps2

10:13pm Sat 15 Sep 12

allrightnow2 says...

Isn't that generally what happens when there is a larger incident? Officers from other areas are re-deployed as they are needed so a consequence is reduced police coverage in those areas just while the incident is being dealt with...
Isn't that generally what happens when there is a larger incident? Officers from other areas are re-deployed as they are needed so a consequence is reduced police coverage in those areas just while the incident is being dealt with... allrightnow2

11:08pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Billy_Gean says...

If a much larger crisis happened and the police helicopter needed to be there instead, it would have just been instructed to re-route. The situation at hand sounded like it was dealt with very efficiently. Even though there may have been delays, no one was harmed as far as I am aware which is fantastic considering the scale of the fire and possible dangers that could have happened.

Well done to all the emergency services whom were involved! Most of the time their work is just discarded due to the selfishness of people in this modern day, however, I for one think that they deserve loads of praise with this just being a pure example of the fantastic work they do! :)
If a much larger crisis happened and the police helicopter needed to be there instead, it would have just been instructed to re-route. The situation at hand sounded like it was dealt with very efficiently. Even though there may have been delays, no one was harmed as far as I am aware which is fantastic considering the scale of the fire and possible dangers that could have happened. Well done to all the emergency services whom were involved! Most of the time their work is just discarded due to the selfishness of people in this modern day, however, I for one think that they deserve loads of praise with this just being a pure example of the fantastic work they do! :) Billy_Gean

7:16am Sun 16 Sep 12

listerps2 says...

allrightnow2 wrote:
Isn't that generally what happens when there is a larger incident? Officers from other areas are re-deployed as they are needed so a consequence is reduced police coverage in those areas just while the incident is being dealt with...
Totally agree with you - think some people have a common sense chip missing ;-)
[quote][p][bold]allrightnow2[/bold] wrote: Isn't that generally what happens when there is a larger incident? Officers from other areas are re-deployed as they are needed so a consequence is reduced police coverage in those areas just while the incident is being dealt with...[/p][/quote]Totally agree with you - think some people have a common sense chip missing ;-) listerps2

7:18am Sun 16 Sep 12

listerps2 says...

Billy_Gean wrote:
If a much larger crisis happened and the police helicopter needed to be there instead, it would have just been instructed to re-route. The situation at hand sounded like it was dealt with very efficiently. Even though there may have been delays, no one was harmed as far as I am aware which is fantastic considering the scale of the fire and possible dangers that could have happened.

Well done to all the emergency services whom were involved! Most of the time their work is just discarded due to the selfishness of people in this modern day, however, I for one think that they deserve loads of praise with this just being a pure example of the fantastic work they do! :)
Absolutely
[quote][p][bold]Billy_Gean[/bold] wrote: If a much larger crisis happened and the police helicopter needed to be there instead, it would have just been instructed to re-route. The situation at hand sounded like it was dealt with very efficiently. Even though there may have been delays, no one was harmed as far as I am aware which is fantastic considering the scale of the fire and possible dangers that could have happened. Well done to all the emergency services whom were involved! Most of the time their work is just discarded due to the selfishness of people in this modern day, however, I for one think that they deserve loads of praise with this just being a pure example of the fantastic work they do! :)[/p][/quote]Absolutely listerps2

12:30am Wed 19 Sep 12

Drew70 says...

Scarletto wrote:
30 officers, plus several traffic operatives from the Highways Agency in their similarly marked 4x4s, were soon involved with this operation and there was no real need for the chopper. Boys with their expensive toys! Meanwhile responses to 999 calls were hindered because of officers committed to this incident.
so the helicopter is an expensive "toy" When it was hovering above two dog walkers who had fallen into marshy ground and were at risk of drowning, so the emergency services could get to them, was it an expensive toy?

When it landed in a field at midnight, so a seriously injured motorcyclist could be transported to hospital ( The air ambulance can't night fly) was it an expensive toy?

When it helped locate two burglars who had run from their stolen car, was it an expensive toy?

If your house gets burgled, and the "toy" helps catch the burglars, or helps find your missing child, or elderly relative, will it be just an expensive toy then? It's a hugely valuable piece of equipment that gets results!
[quote][p][bold]Scarletto[/bold] wrote: 30 officers, plus several traffic operatives from the Highways Agency in their similarly marked 4x4s, were soon involved with this operation and there was no real need for the chopper. Boys with their expensive toys! Meanwhile responses to 999 calls were hindered because of officers committed to this incident.[/p][/quote]so the helicopter is an expensive "toy" When it was hovering above two dog walkers who had fallen into marshy ground and were at risk of drowning, so the emergency services could get to them, was it an expensive toy? When it landed in a field at midnight, so a seriously injured motorcyclist could be transported to hospital ( The air ambulance can't night fly) was it an expensive toy? When it helped locate two burglars who had run from their stolen car, was it an expensive toy? If your house gets burgled, and the "toy" helps catch the burglars, or helps find your missing child, or elderly relative, will it be just an expensive toy then? It's a hugely valuable piece of equipment that gets results! Drew70

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