DRIVERS will get stuck in fewer traffic jams on the M4 in Wales thanks to an agreement between the police and the Assembly Government, it has been claimed.

Civilian traffic officers will patrol the motorway, allowing the police to concentrate on emergencies and serious incidents.

Paid for by the Assembly Government and with the power to control traffic, the patrols are also going to be tested on the A55 in north Wales.

It follows concern that diversions and long hold-ups after crashes on the M4 are harming the economy.

The four Welsh forces have drawn up plans for policing the roads with the Assembly Government in an attempt to cut crime, accidents and congestion.

Called Y Maniffesto (The Manifesto), it says the forces will share information and resources, including GPS equipment for gathering evidence at crash sites.

There could also be more joint operations using technology that automatically checks number plates against police databases.

North Wales chief constable Richard Brunstrom said the traffic officers would work with the emergency services to achieve "slicker incident management".

"You're going to see reduced congestion," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"The police service are accepting formally that we have a role to play in protecting and supporting the Welsh economy, and we've all seen the damage caused to the economy by incidents on the M4, for instance the M4 closed for 12 hours.

"Hopefully, that will be a rarity, if not unheard of, within two or three years time."

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "This is a very important strategy which outlines how the Assembly Government and the police will be working together to improve safety and cut delays on Wales's busiest roads.

"We are already putting in place traffic officer cover for the M4 and have announced a trial for a similar service on the A55.

"We have also announced a separate trial on the M4 looking at getting people to a place of safety and re-opening lane space quickly following breakdowns and similar incidents."

He added: "The Assembly Government is also investing in technology to improve safety and reduce delays and congestion. A good example of this is the planned variable speed limit system on the M4 around Newport."