REST areas for tired drivers could prevent hundreds of high speed crashes on Britain's motorways every year.

Yet the Government has been accused by Huddersfield road safety charity Brake of dragging its feet over plans to build the special stops.

Plans to build leafy lay-bys like those found on the Continent have been postponed until 2006.

Pilot schemes will go ahead only if there is enough cash.

About one in 10 of accidents on Britain's roads, amounting to 23,000 every year, are thought to be caused by fatigue.

A Brake spokesman said: "Tiredness comes on quickly. Once you start to feel the effects you can't shake them off.

"Winding down you window or turning up your radio are not proven to keep you awake."

A suitable site for the first lay-by has not been chosen and could be built only if there were changes to the Highways Act.

The facilities would be directly accessible from the motorway with picnic facilities and toilets.