Seven slip-roads on the M6 are part of the plans

The region is the first to get the measures in a �6m scheme which will be rolled out across England.

Sensors on the slip-roads will mean the system can be turned off to stop traffic building up.

The technique, known as "ramp metering", will be used on the M62, M6 and M60 motorways in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

Work will start on installing the lights this month, with the system starting in March.

'Excellent example'

It works by controlling the traffic joining the motorways. Research shows that because the traffic keeps flowing on the carriageway, delays are less likely.

The system is used extensively abroad and was trialled in England on the M6 in Birmingham.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "We have to get more out of the existing motorway network. This is an excellent example of using innovative ways of solving long-standing problems for drivers.

"Traffic joins the motorway safely without causing braking by vehicles on the motorway itself.

"By carefully monitoring vehicle flows, the Highways Agency will be better able to manage the traffic joining the motorway."

If successful, ramp metering will be rolled out to the North East, South East and Midlands.