MOTORISTS in Burnley are about to get into the fast lane with the introduction of a £2million state-of-the-art traffic scheme.

Lancashire County Council revealed it is negotiating with the Department of Transport for the final stages of funding for the project, which will see the latest travel and traffic information posted on electronic boards at the roadside.

The scheme, which could be in place by 2004, will also allow messages about car parking availability, road safety and even shop opening times and future events to be broadcast across town.

The Intelligent Transport Systems scheme is similar to initiatives recently launched in Lancaster and Preston but also seen in neighbouring authorities such as Manchester. 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, are 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.

Alan Carter, a consultant at MVA, said: "We went out and asked people what issues were most important to them and what they would like to see.

"We then drafted a package to satisfy the objectives for Burnley.

"The traffic control will be concentrated mainly in Burnley but will extend to parts of Padiham."

An information system giving information 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. Mr Carter added: "Travellers will be informed and up-to-date with what is going on and will be able to spend more time shopping rather than being stuck in traffic and waiting for a bus.

"This scheme is relatively new and has been running in Bristol and has proved to be very successful so we look forward to finding out how it will work in Burnley.

Lisa Durkin, Town Centre Manager, said: "I think this is going to be a great help for shoppers and for businesses in Burnley."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "Intelligent Transport Systems will help to improve the quality of life, safety and environment for Burnley's residents, commuters and visitors. ITS will also help in Burnley's economic prosperity and the safe and efficient transport of goods."