ACCRINGTON'S congestion problems could soon be tackled by a £2million scheme to bring electronic boards to the roadside.

Lancashire County Council has confirmed it intends to introduce the signs on roads into Accrington once schemes in Burnley and Lancaster have been completed.

The electronic boards, already operational in Preston, give out traffic information such as where to park or where to avoid because of traffic congestion.

They are also used to deliver messages at night, such as warning people not to drink and drive.

Shop opening times and details of big events can also be posted on the boards, which are controlled via a radio link-up.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Council confirmed it was working with Lancashire County Council to tackle congestion issues in and around Accrington town centre.

But Burnley's problems will be dealt with first.

Manchester-based transport consultancy MVA is working on the proposals which include a traffic signalling system to cut traffic flow at key roundabouts in Active Way, Centenary Way and Yorkshire Street, Manchester Road and Centenary Way and Gannow Top.

Motorists entering and leaving town will get the latest travel information via signs which will work with route guidance signs, showing the best way through town.

Car park information, showing space availability at different sites, will also to be implemented to help reduce the amount of traffic circulating in the centre looking for somewhere to stop.

They will be in Westway, Princess Way, Colne Road, Yorkshire Street, Manchester Road and maybe Trafalgar Street and Westgate.

The scheme will also benefit from three more CCTV cameras to the town's existing system to help control the traffic flow and allow the traffic control room to spot trouble spots and post information for motorists. An information system giving details about bus and train times will be added to the town centre as well as real-time bus passenger information which informs travellers of the exact arrival and departure times.

A spokesman for the county council said officers would be meeting with Burnley Council to finalise the details of the scheme, which is expected to take 12 months to complete.

Hyndburn's is expected to follow within two years.