Secrets of The Motorway - A308M

#berkshire #driving #motorway #infrastructure #maidenhead
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Back in Berkshire and we're visiting the shortest motorway in England. Possibly. There may be some debate on that but we're going to say yes, it's the shortest motorway in England. Aside from that... not a lot happens, sorry to spoil the fun before it's started, sometimes that's just the way it is and perhaps this video is more of a "requirement" due to wanting to make a video about every motorway.
Anyway, here it is, the A308M, the shortest motorway.. enjoy.

[@Rorschach.]

10 months later, future Jon has sent me back to see how the friendly horse is doing. Nice.

[@mikepalmer8]

Yup, same

[@AndyHullMcPenguin]

Same here. Shame you YT doesn't let you re-click the like button. That's neigh use, as they say in my part of the world.

[@deeser]

Sundays aren't Sundays without Jon pontificating in a field.

[@tsl56]

Yes, he's certainly an expert in his field. Pedestrians and equines are not usually welcome on UK motorways. ;-)

[@Edlar89]

With a horse!

[@tsl56]

It's probably a panto horse that has been put out to graze for the 10 months of the off-season.

[@mfcrocker]

I like it, and thankfully there’s a button specifically designed for that

[@terencemichaels]

@@mfcrocker and hopefully you had a good week etc...

[@ALMELMUSIC]

On the conterary, a brilliant episode. No nagging from me. I do hope the horse is on royalties. Pissed myself laughing when it entered shot and then you cut to the next bit with it in next to you. Hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

[@neildaniel8232]

I snorted my tea! Thought it was safe to take a swig after the Minesweeper bombs but no, fresh t-shirt required.

[@chummychummy7651]

That shot was comedy gold!

[@TimothyWorel-xj9he]

Neigh. Very friendly horse.

[@PhilipStorry]

The Curator: "How goes the research of life Before The Event? Has the cache of KZbin videos been useful?" Researcher: "It has been most useful. I'm learning about transport infrastructure in Pre-Event times." The Curator: "And what have you learned?" Researcher: "Next to the A308M, there was a very friendly horse." The Curator: "... You're fired."

[@brianartillery]

😆😆😆

[@illiath4438]

Why do I now have this weird desire to continue this AU.... I am now imagining another curator from another wing coming running in from elsewhere shouting "WHAT'S A HORSE!?!?!"

[@ivertranes2516]

An absolutely delightful episode. The horse is definitely the friendliest video bomber yet!

[@terencemichaels]

It's weird, I mean I don't live in Britain and i'm not really interested in motorways...but I never miss one of John's videos. He just keeps getting better; funnier and more entertaining ...and he certainly deserves his silver award from KZbin and doubtless will keep adding viewers.

[@trulsosmundsen515]

From Norway here, we don't even drive on the same side! But these videos are great, and as you said, getting better every time!

[@terencemichaels]

@@trulsosmundsen515 Hi Norway, greetings from southern Spain.

[@londongaz2]

It does seem to be a very brit thing, a bit like the weather. "Oh how was your journey?" "Not too bad, but there was a traffic jam on the a308(m) because of an escaped horse"

[@Assimilator1]

🤣@@londongaz2 and agreed!

[@stephenholt4670]

This episode is not a fail. The A308(M) deserves it's place in the limelight as much as any other. Thanks again John.

[@michaelj3282]

106,000 motorway nerds. Who'd have thought it.

[@Dan23_7]

@France_MappingI’ve learned loads about motorways I use every day. I drive long distance and some of the stuff he’s told us is pretty damn awesome. Just for one…. “Ghost slip roads”

[@jeremywilliams5107]

Industrial archaeology is a major unexploited area of interest. As is watching someone getting interrupted by horses, the Mysterious Red Astra, and simply dashcamvideowatching in case Jo(h)n gets arrested or run over.

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Some people just want to know if there's a motorway they should avoid at all costs. 😉

[@Axman6]

The horse made the one of the best videos yet, and I’ve loved every other one. More klepto-horses please!

[@dave_h_8742]

So you didnt like the man in the red Astra under the bridge then, no neither did John 😂

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@dave_h_8742the guy who did a u turn under a bridge and parked in front of him? Lol

[@PhilipMurphyExtra]

This video is a lot more interesting then the Japanese Grand Prix today in Formula 1.

[@nickbarber2080]

Photo-bombed by a horse? No worries....just roll with it... One of the best episodes.

[@NonFatMead]

One of the best episodes you've done, given the motorway length to entertainment ratio.

[@WilliamDavidKirbyUK]

Absoluely. In terms of speed it is 4.29 minuites per 0.6 miles so that is about 8 miles per hour. Fairly rapid actually!

[@Dan23_7]

It’s not only a road information channel, it’s also “name that tune” Another fan dabby dozi episode Jon 👏🏼

[@colsta89]

Agreed, I remember this song as a kid, but can't place where from and what program

[@dickoon]

@@colsta89 BBC's Holiday in the Jill Dando era, also known as Voyager by Paul Hardcastle.

[@Dan23_7]

@@colsta89 Same as you 😂

[@Dan23_7]

@@dickoon Cheers for that 👍🏼 I can rest easy now.

[@Firecul]

Yeah I wouldn't have gotten that one this week.

[@BigWordsWriting]

It isn't the length which matters, but what you do with it. Your co-presenter is a fantastic addition. Can we expect more collaborations in the channel's future?

[@DaveLee37]

This video was amazing! Made just that little bit better by the "Holiday" version of Paul Hardcastle's "Voyager" - much better than the album version. Good choice, John!

[@ALuzionz]

Hi Jon, That horse is me mate Barry. He said he had a great time with you on set and would love to feature in future videos. I've given him a link to your channel so he can see himself on screen. He's pretty dainty with his thumbs and knows his way around a smartphone! all the best.

[@bigdavesnokia]

Wracked my brain over what this theme tune was from, worked out it was BBCs holiday from back in the 90's with the lovely Jill Dando

[@starlight5229]

First time equine video-bomber!! 😂

[@donalddodson7365]

Jon, glad to see the Screen Actors' Guild did not preclude the walk-on horse. This should boost viewers as KZbin includes horse lovers in the distribution algorithm. Shortest Motorway & long haired horse ... 😂

[@andrewjworden288]

Love love love the side kick horse 🐎 FYI... These video's are never boring... I simply love them.

[@katho8472]

So that horse approached you on its own, not knowing you before? That is one TRUSTING and relaxed horse!

[@fumthings]

probably available for children's parties...

[@doru10922]

That horse is such a big supporter of the channel:)) he didn't want to miss the chance to say Hi :)))

[@Sn0wy_TV]

The horse shot got be laughing 😂

[@riley3583]

I'm not even from england, though it's interesting to see how interesting (or extremely boring) some routes are.

[@godzillas6301]

just wait till he gets to the A38m , i suspect hes having a run up at it . Its not got hard shoulders but instead has a sort of rescue lane .... best place to put it ? in the centre of the traffic Sounds a danger you may think to have a broken car being the central divide but just to make sure its worse than that by moving this lane around at vrs times of day ..... oh and if you are a motorbike you cant use the rescue lane so your ment to errrrrr welll good luck with that if you do break down . Its not like theres 20 foot concrete walls if you do get into difficulty . lets also make it fun for all the family by having it 8 or more lanes out of the second largest city but 4 inbound . Never a sniff of traffic then ......

[@hairyairey]

​@@godzillas6301I recall that the drains in the middle of the A38(M) are lethal to motorcyclists, not sure that's still the case.

[@godzillas6301]

@@hairyairey one of the drain covers got dislodged and a bike managed to ride into the hole ....... so instead of say bolting the covers together ....... b/ham highways thought no , that would fix the problem , lets ban bikes I once had a puncture on my motorbike on the A38M .... now that was fun

[@markjlewis]

I hope the horse gets an appearance fee. Great video and Sunday wouldn't be Sunday without "Another exciting episode of Auto Shenanigans". 👏👏

[@TIMMEH19991]

So nice of Horsey the horse to shuffle along into shot and add to the crazy humor!

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

2:24 - "pe-DAN-try aside..." I love the pronunciation troll! Also, a great piss-take with the theme from 'The Holiday Programme" over the credits! :D

[@hydorah]

You sir, are a bloody life saver. It was driving me mad trying to work out where I'd heard it before. 'Shazam' said it was 'Rumours' by Alan Fitzpatrick, which is A; Hideous - and B: Sounds nothing like it

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

@@hydorahGlad to be of service!

[@rochellehewston9367]

Loved the shrug of the shoulders when mentioning junction 8/9 of M4. It’s always been a mystery to me I thought you were going to get on the horse and ride in to the sunset. One Horsepower!!!!

[@fumthings]

you mean it wasn't a comment rating it on its mediocre nature?

[@davidpiper3652]

Now I get it. They removed junction 8 and then built a new junction and called it 8/9 because it combines both 8 and 9. I used to use it all the time when I worked near there and I often wondered why it was labelled 8/9.

[@fumthings]

you mean it wasn't a comment rating it on its mediocre nature?

[@ForburyLion]

That was indeed a very friendly horse, definitely the best supporting cast member so far.

[@_Cads]

A very satisfying 4 minutes. Which is about 3 minutes more satisfaction than I treat my wife too.

[@stephenyates962]

A bit of horsing around for such a short motorway. Your new equine friend was a highlight of this week's 'adventure'

[@Dribbleondo]

The Horse made me laugh, glad you included it!

[@paulhellawell5920]

What a nice pony. It made this video interesting.🐎

[@ImranHussain-hk7gt]

Great video Horse being a special guest this week

[@biggc181]

Adorable curious horse lol

[@teg24601]

An awesome episode. I love how you finally explained about the (M) designation, here and elsewhere. Nice to see a motorway competing against I-375.

[@johnguidry4065]

Quality horse information.

[@tidmouthmilk12]

Love the guest presenter at 2:06

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

The A308(M) is a very short motorway and it acts like a bypass for people living in Braywick to get to London. Plus the land where there is an abandoned car park could be used for new houses to be built on which wouldn’t be nice to see new homes next to the M4 Motorway at Braywick.

[@side_six]

Omg I love the holiday theme tune. Brings me back to childhood 😢❤

[@pilsxxx]

The enforcement team at the local council would love this episode re: planning conditions not being complied with 😂

[@JohnLumagui]

Horse: "Oi, Guvnah! Give us a carrot! Apples & sugar cubes work as well!"

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I’m old enough to remember being with my dad and using the since removed M4 junction 8 back in the day on various fishing trips. The then “new” junction 8/9 and the short A308(M) seemed such a faff. I now live in the area and still dislike the junction and the A308(M). Perhaps its time I should end my grudge 🥴😂 As always, a simply brilliant episode Jon. 👏👏👍😎

[@MYCROFTonX]

I hope the pony is a subscriber! It's too small to be a horse... it's a pony. Wickedsweetawesome.

[@TimothyWorel-xj9he]

His name's Eeyore.

[@johngriffiths2881]

Short but sweet, still made me smile 😀

[@wilber3762]

You’re going to have to up your game for the next one. Best one yet. 👍

[@PhilReynoldsLondonGeek]

M4 J8/9 is not the only double numbered junction, at least now - you've got M1 J7&8. The reasons for these double numbered junctions make sense when you look at the history.

[@Dan23_7]

But not when you’re not familiar with the areas 😂

[@8bitwiz_]

Double-numbered junctions? We'll have none of this silliness in the United States of America, I tell you! We name our Interstate highway junctions based on the nearest mile marker! Two junctions really close together, we'll just add an A or B! Then if we go and extend them on the low number end, I guess we have to renumber the whole thing. I just found out about I-14 last week, its designation is only a few years old, and they've started it in the middle. But it seems they're using the existing numbering of the US-190 highway that it overlaid, so one dodged there.

[@kgbgb3663]

M1 J7 & 8 isn't such a clear case. M4 J8/9 is definitely _one_ junction with _two_ numbers, while M1 J7 and M1 J8 are really two different junctions. Coming south, you clearly drive past junction 8 to get to junction 7; it's just that you don't do it on the main carriageway. To prevent weaving, they have taken traffic for both junctions off the main carriageway before the junctions and then put it back onto the M1 after them. If it weren't that non-motorway traffic on the A414 joins from the left at junction 8 and then leaves again at junction 7, you could treat the whole caboodle as a four-carriageway section of the M1, with both junctions attached to the outer carriageways only. I think that's why the signs on the M4 use a /, meaning "or", while those on the M1 use an &, meaning "and".

[@PhilReynoldsLondonGeek]

@@kgbgb3663Yes, things are a bit different, but in order to take the A414 either way (including the bit that was the M10, you must exit at what was junction 8, whereas junction 7 was correct before.

[@kgbgb3663]

@@PhilReynoldsLondonGeek That's exactly right. But it also isn't that unusual in cases where a motorway has been supplied with collector-distributor roads to prevent weaving on the main carriageway between closely-spaced junctions. For instance, the M20 has a four-carriageway section north of Maidstone, so on the westbound carriageway you have a single exit from the main carriageway labelled junctions 6 & 5, leading to an extra M20 carriageway serving those junctions. That 's the only other example I know of in Britain, but I believe it's quite common in North America to have four-carriageway sections of motorways with junctions only attached to the outer carriageways, but with crossovers between the carriageways from time to time. So one exit from the main carriageway could be for junctions 4 and 5, the next for 6, the next for 7, 8 and 9, and so on. On the C-D carriageways, of course, you see J4, then J5, then J6, then J7 and so on. What makes the M1 example unusual is that instead of being numbered as extra carriageways of the motorway, the collector-distributor roads are numbered as part of a non-motorway route that joins at one junction and leaves at the next. So, as you say, there is only _one_ place where you _leave the motorway_ that leads to _both_ junctions, rather than seeing the junctions individually as you go along the extra motorway carriageway. It all really depends on how you look at it.

[@hannahatkins636]

Good afternoon Jon (as well as everyone else). How the devil are you? I hope you've all had a good week. I'm okay thank you and had a reasonable week. Really enjoyed your video on the A308M especially the bit with the very friendly horse. I hope there are more very friendly horses in the future. I meant to say on your unboxing video but congratulations on getting 100K subscribers! I joined mostly through the motorway service stations series.🎉

[@johnclements6614]

Most likely the horse has not been visited in a few days. Wants some company.

[@stephenholt4670]

I'm devilishly fine, thank you.

[@jlcgaming8178]

Sat in a hot tub at tattershae watching this, beer on the of go. Its bliss.

[@paulknight5018]

Short but sweet as ever Jon

[@DAFPvnk]

1) Impressive you managed the whole video without mentioning Maidenhead once 2) That horse is the MVP

[@sirloinestakegames7866]

Maidenhead is literally mentioned at 0:28 😂

[@DAFPvnk]

@@sirloinestakegames7866 oops!

[@jonathanpork-sausage617]

Thumbs up for the spontaneous horse.

[@kingcal53]

The shot with the horse is probably the best thing I've seen on KZbin this year. Former local here, lived and went to school in Holyport. I think there were plans on the table on a couple of occasions for a service station just off the Holyport interchange?

[@ilovex1981]

Horse around as much as you wish... Sunday wouldn't be Sunday without Jon, a field and a distraction!

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Great video Jon, nice to see you with one of your subscribers in the field, Take care have a good one👍

[@simocreations]

That horse though 😂👌🏼

[@brantnuttall]

2:09 aw that's so lovely!

[@davidryan3711]

I actually think this is one of the best episodes of Secrets of the Motorway No particular reason, it just is

[@knerdrider]

All of your videos should have a very friendly horse. 🐎

[@giraffecat]

The horse cut was brilliant lmao

[@mikotondria]

Sir ! You have surpassed yourself with the outro retro music this week. Was it The Holiday Programme or just ‘Holiday’ ? Every week the improbably grandiose cinematography and exquisitely disconnected music is like a cold sauna to my delicate mind - and the length of the music always means you’re waving for far too long than is ever reasonable or necessary in the real world. You elevate what on paper could be a mundane examination of transport plans vs. what actually got built into an exercise in learning and information delivery that goes beyond its functional intent.

[@cannonboltVsXLR8]

Look at that horse, that horse is amazing

[@carlbentley80]

Love the horse

[@AutoShenanigans]

My new bestie...

[@marksmith1944]

Nice Jon 👍👌🏻💥🍻

[@Karl3642]

Ahhh the theme from Holiday. When Anneka Rice was young, and so was I for that matter.

[@Roblilley999]

Did wonder why it was very short and the 8/9 has confused me, this rectifys my mystery. Thanks J

[@johfc]

What a nice horse! Thanks Jon.

[@jimmydesouza4375]

Every random horse I have ever met has been friendly, which is probably a good thing as they're large enough to be dangerous.

[@TimothyWorel-xj9he]

A friend of mine worked for what was Badgerline (anyone know why it was so called?). One day he was driving a fully auto Bristol VR along the Bath Road. He was passing a horse and rider, when the bus decided to change up. The resultant hiss of air caused the horse to kick out, writing off three panels. This horse, on the other hand, was definitely photogenic.

[@Hollaraedulioe]

Lovely - including the horse:))

[@Hornedbear]

Nice video covering all we needed to know. Liked the guest star.

[@minibus9]

excelent video. That horse was brilliant

[@SashaGrace94]

Was waiting for this after last week as I was on the A308(M) the other week leaving Legoland. Congrats on the 100k as well!!

[@jeremywilliams5107]

@Lego are missing a huge marketing opportunity to paint the motorway as a series of blocks

[@Mackem-bl3ix]

Need to visit us here in the North East. We have the northernmost (proper) motorway services, a motorway that really should have a connection from the A1 south, and a double deck motorway that welcomes pedestrians once a year. And they’re all Axx(M)s so they fit the channel perfectly

[@MrKpsuk84]

3:47 the 1990s theme from the BBCs 'Holiday' programme (also known as 'Voyager' by Paul Hardcastle)

[@andrewhotston983]

Good episode, John. Made me chuckle.

[@PuddingPeep-fs1kw]

Bloody marvellous episode !

[@williamwinslow8807]

Best unexpected guest ever! Horse.

[@JD-wn3cc]

So many creators could take a lot of learnings from your authenticity and detail. Firstly, you still cover a motorway if it's short and featureless, because that's continuity for your series. Secondly, you don't pad out your video with meaningless filler just to achieve your minutes. Genuinely underrated qualities.

[@robertjones3223]

Now I can't stop thinking of the Father Ted song for Europe song "My lovely horse" 😂

[@Aengus42]

I like the new co-presenter. Good chemistry!

[@marktubeie07]

02:07 😂😂😂😂😂😂 hilarious!!!

[@jamestanton7424]

This is about 4 minutes longer than I could do talking about this A(M) Road. I salute you, sir

[@VR-UK]

I come for the education and LOL's, but I always stay for the end music.

[@highpath4776]

Pleased this is here as Jago's one today has gone AWOL

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

It's there now. Snow Hill tunnel.

[@petergibbs]

John, you will have to keep an apple in your pocket for the occasional visitor.

[@donaldmilne5352]

And I think this is also the shortest Secrets of the Motorway (if not by much)! Nice 😁

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Brilliant as always Thank you

[@cyberleaderandy1]

Great meeting your new co-presenter 😊

[@waynemackie3113]

Excited for the A64m episode

[@mildertduck]

That has a lot more to say about it! (My ancestors used to live on top of where it now is...)

[@JLBodhran]

I'm loving the new co-presenter! ❤

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Jon not horsing around in this video 😂😂 a informative video as always mate.

[@roberthindle5146]

You did an honourable effort in making the A308(M) vaguely interesting, Jon. I think the only fact I could add is that if it were extended beyond the A308 on its current trajectory it might bisect Heston Blumenthal over in Bray. That would have meant the motorway constantly being covered in a flavoured smoke, or a velouté or a foam or some such contrived nonsense.

[@markburgess6801]

loved the guest star John

[@RichieRouge206]

Another great tune John - 'Voyager' by Paul Hardcastle aka the theme tune to 'Holiday' Loved the cameo by the horse. I laughed out loud when it suddenly appeared in that shot

[@charlespaterson9714]

Still a very interesting video with a unique cameo. Good Work!

[@mikepalmer8]

It gives me great pleasure as a pedant to point out that Jon has pronounced "pedantry" incorrectly

[@sarkybugger5009]

He pronounces lots of things wrong. I think it's part of a deliberate ploy to get the comment count up. Seems to be working... 😉

[@clickrick]

To anyone who accuses me of being a pedant I simply reply that I'm not because I don't precisely fit the exact definition of one.

[@gazzaman28]

Welcome to pendants corner.

[@fumthings]

i wonder what happens if we string all the words that Jon pronounces incorrectly, together. does it form some kind of coded message?

[@markwright3161]

@@fumthings If printed to motorway sign specifications they will equal the total distance of the UK motorway network :)

[@Shipnerd194]

That horse very much wanted to hear about the A308 (M), he's very interested in British motoring history.

[@AutoShenanigans]

Poor bugger has to look at it every day...

[@thattoolguy9432]

Undomesticated equines could not remove me from this episode. ... Wicked , sweet ,awesome !

[@StephenBoyd21]

Jon has found a friend!