 The patrols aim to get traffic moving after accidents |
The motorway "jam-buster" patrols are now on duty round-the-clock in north- west England. From Monday, the Highways Agency's traffic officers in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire, are patrolling 24 hours a day.
Their role is to help tackle congestion and help motorists.
A total of 300 uniformed officers work from the regional control centre at Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, in high-visibility 4x4 vehicles.
The service was previously been operating between 0600 and 2200 BST.
'Major commitment'
The control room, where staff work alongside the police and monitor traffic conditions, set variable road messages and dispatch officers to incidents.
Dave Ryder, Network Operations Manager, said: "I am delighted to be able to extend this service for travellers.
"The motorway network does tend to be quieter overnight but that doesn't make it any less hazardous for drivers breaking down or in need of other assistance.
"This is a major commitment from us to travellers and it will also enable us to help target overnight incidents more effectively - for example in helping to reduce morning rush hour congestion following incidents."
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