JAM-BUSTERS are being recruited to keep traffic moving on the region's motorways.

Up to 160 uniformed Highways Agency traffic officers will patrol motorways in Yorkshire and the North-East.

The first group will go out on the M62, M621, M1 and A1 in September.

Their job will be to help keep traffic moving and ease congestion.

They will have powers to deal with any non-criminal disruptions involving anyone using the motorway, such as debris, stranded vehicles or minor incidents.

This will help to free up the police to concentrate on law enforcement and tackling crime.

The new traffic officers will be controlled from a £5m centre being built off Junction 39 of the M1 at Crigglestone, south of Wakefield.

Transport Minister David Jamieson said: "Agency traffic officers are at the forefront of Government plans to ease congestion on the motorway network.

"They have already made a significant impact on motorways in the West Midlands and I am delighted we are soon to be able to introduce this service to people on busy motorways in Yorkshire and the North-East.

"Even minor accidents can cause long tailbacks, so rapid clearance of incidents will help to keep traffic on the move."

The officers will drive distinctive vehicles with flashing red and amber lights to warn motorists of their presence.

The Crigglestone control centre is one of seven across the country and is due to open in September, when the first group of traffic officers will take to the road.

Roger Nicklin, the Highways Agency's new operations manager for the region said: "This new service means more highly-trained people on the road, ready to help drivers.

"This will result in a safer road network, more reliable journey times, better information for drivers and reduced incident-related congestion."