Transferring powers from police to highways authorities will improve the efficiency of road policing in Wales, according to the Welsh Assembly Government and Welsh Police forces.
The two agencies are developing a new plan to improve safety and reduce congestion on some of Wales’ busiest roads.
The draft plan road policing in Wales proposes the integration of existing police and trunk road services, and the transfer of powers from police to highway authorities to ‘improve the efficiency of road policing and free up the police for law enforcement duties.’
Deputy first minister and minister for economy and transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: ‘We intend to trial the new partnership model on the sensitive tunnels section of the A55 in North Wales, where a rapid response to incidents is essential.
‘And if this proves successful, consideration will be given to extending it to the busiest parts of the trunk road network. Through better use of existing police and trunk road agencies, we can improve safety significantly, and keep the traffic flowing more efficiently.’
The draft plan was presented to the assembly’s enterprise and learning committee on 29 January for its members’ comments before a final version is agreed. The police have already started their own trial of the police element of the plan on a 20km section of the A55.
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