FEARS new bus stops in Hyndburn could create traffic chaos have been voiced by concerned residents.

New bus stop zones have been painted on roads throughout the borough as part of the multi-million pound Pennine Reach Scheme, which aims to boost public transport links throughout East Lancashire.

But residents contacted the Lancashire Telegraph after spotting the new zones blocking entire junctions.

Nigel Airey, who lives in Stourton Street, Rishton, with his wife Val, took pictures of the new bus stops in Harwood Road, which show a painted bus stop snaking its way past an entire junction.

The 66-year-old said: “The bus stop at the top of Stourton Street now completely covers the junction.

“We only have one bus at a time at this stop, but now it could accommodate four. Why? Does anybody know the reason why our new bus stop markings are four times greater than the original?”

And Adrian Bell added: “The size of all the bus stops is being doubled even though the buses are the same size as always.

“This will mean buses can stop anywhere in the near area, completely blocking the road, causing traffic to stop and build up.”

Chris Anslow, public transport policy manager for Lancashire County Council, said: "Wherever possible we're bringing the bus stops for the Pennine Reach scheme up to the standard used across Lancashire.

"The 37m clearway allows room for the bus to pull in parallel to the kerb, and pull away easily.

"Manoeuvring close to the raised kerb allows passengers to take advantage of level access onto and off the bus, which makes it much easier for people with mobility difficulties, wheelchairs and pushchairs.

"Cars can enter the clearway and wait behind the bus, and manoeuvre into and out of the junction through the clearway, but should not park in it."