26/04/2004

Motorway traffic-busting patrols set to begin

New traffic officers have started to patrol motorways around Birmingham as part of a drive to tackle congestion and improve traffic management, it has emerged today.

The Highways Agency service will be rolled out to the rest of the motorway network by the end of 2005 and there will be around 1,200 traffic officers across England.

The officers have new powers to deal with diversions, manage incidents and ensure traffic is running smoothly. They will also help the police to manage traffic after accidents to minimise hold-ups, the government said.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "We are investing billions of pounds to improve this country's road network.

"Minimising the congestion caused by accidents and managing traffic flow efficiently is vital if we are to ensure that traffic runs smoothly for both travellers and businesses."

The new traffic officers will also allow the police to focus their efforts on their core role of tackling crime, Mr Darling added.

(gmcg)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

20 June 2003
Highway patrol officers set to free up more police resources
The by-ways and bottlenecks of Britain will have a new addition from next year – the Highways Agency traffic officers - who will patrol the nation's motorways twenty-four hours a day.
02 November 2011
Highways Officers' Accolade Celebrated
The Highways Agency’s Traffic Officer Service has won a prestigious international road safety award. The Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards recognise outstanding contributions to road safety.
02 June 2009
New Technology For Anti-drink And Drug Driving Campaign
The Metropolitan Police has kicked off the start of what will be the first anti-drink and drug driving campaign in London to see the widespread use of major new technology to capture breath test results.
04 October 2010
Police Pay And Conditions Review Launched
The most comprehensive review of police pay and conditions in more than 30 years has been launched by the government to improve service for the public and maximise value for money.
05 August 2015
Claims Management Company Fined For Nuisance Calls
A claims management company has been fined more than £200,000 under new claims management regulation powers.