Patrols will carry out tasks such as dealing with breakdowns

The �7.6m centre, just off Junction 26, is one of seven controlling traffic on motorways across the UK.

The facility means the Highways Agency will take over some minor duties from the police, such as clearing debris or putting out signs.

It is hoped this will give better co-ordination between roadworks, traffic problems and signage.

Difficult stretch

Jamie Carr, from the Highways Agency, said: "We do have particular challenges in the East Midlands.

"We have a very linear stretch of network which is compounded by the fact it is so undulating with hills.

"We have a lot of lorries using this stretch of the network which does not mix well with the gradient of some of the hills.

"It does cause slowing traffic which in turn can lead to congestion."

The centre will initially cover the motorway from junctions 24 to 30 but will be extended to Watford Gap in the summer.