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One of Wales' major corridor routes is to have dedicated traffic management officers to tackle congestion.

The A55 corridor across north Wales is to trial patrols in marked vehicles by civilian staff with police powers to stop, control and direct traffic.

It is being hailed as a way to free up police for emergency responses.

The scheme is to be unveiled by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones at the official opening of a £1.2m traffic centre at Morfa, near Cowwy.

The Traffic Management Centre, which has been operating since February, is a home for Traffic Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government's traffic information service.

Wales' two major corridors in its road network, the A55 in north and the M4 in the south, are seen as vulnerable to congestion with a worrying impact on the economy when incidents occur.

"The aim is to assist and not persecute motorists travelling on the A55 Euro route to ensure the network keeps moving"
North Wales Police chief constable Richard Brunstrom

In 2007, the M4 near Newport was left gridlocked twice following fatal accidents, prompting Mr Jones, who is also economy and transport minister, to put a date on the possible opening of a relief road.

In February this year, the assembly's enterprise and learning committee said congestion on Welsh roads had greater social and economic impacts than such incidents had in England.

In May this year, South Wales Police traffic officers stopped routine patrol and debris clearing along the M4 after an agreement was reached for the South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA), which manages motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, to increase its own patrols.

'Enhanced patrols'

Wales' traffic officer service has been created using existing powers under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

The act provides for traffic officers to have powers to stop and direct traffic, and place and operate traffic signs to deal with incidents and keep traffic moving.

They will using vehicles marked in a yellow-and-black Battenberg (checked) livery. The scheme is backed by North Wales Police chief constable Richard Brunstrom.

He said: "Road users will see the newly liveried traffic officer vehicles on the A55 delivering in a very conspicuous manner enhanced patrols.

"This will result in a fresh approach to the proactive management of congestion to reduce delay, enhance economic viability and thus improve road safety.

"However these vehicles are not emergency response vehicles - their role is to provide reassurance and promote public safety, and the police will continue to attend and lead emergency situations or incidents that might involve criminal investigation.

'Core tasks'

"The aim is to assist and not persecute motorists travelling on the A55 Euro route to ensure the network keeps moving."

Mr Jones said: "I am confident the new system will help cut the time it takes to respond to incidents on this key arterial link.

"The service will help free up police officers to concentrate on core tasks that affect the safety of all road 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