A rapid response team to clear up after accidents on busy roads will help cut traffic jams in the Midlands.

The 13-strong fleet of vehicles will take to the motorways and major roads around Birmingham and to the west.

They will supplement police officers by coning off accidents and repairing damage to make sure traffic is safe to pass.

It will be monitored with electronic tracking equipment which can send a team to accident scenes within 20 minutes.

'Birmingham box'

Government transport minister John Spellar launched the new unit on Friday.

He said a quarter of traffic jams in the Midlands are caused by crashes.

"Reducing the response and the clear-up times following incidents will help cut congestion and improve safety and provide a better quality service to drivers in the Midlands."

Vehicles have been fitted with cutting and maintenance equipment which will be used by trained crews.

They will cover the "Birmingham box" of the M6, M42 and M5 and roads in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and part of Shropshire.

Inspector Keith Grima, of Central Motorway Police Group, said: "These extra resources should allow our patrols to concentrate on tackling crime."