POLICE will no longer man traffic lights around Ewood Park during the new football season.

The move has led to concerns that fans may be left stuck in queues when Blackburn Rovers kick off with an expected sell out against Everton at 3pm on Saturday.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is taking over responsibility for the management of traffic on matchdays from the police.

The changes have come about following a legal action brought by Wigan Athletic owner, the former Rovers player Dave Whelan.

As well as the traffic lights change, cones will no longer be used to stop supporters from parking at the roadside.

Instead, new double yellow lines are being painted and wardens will launch a crackdown to try and keep residents’ zones clear.

Traditionally the police's manual control of lights has eased the flow of traffic around Ewood, particularly around the busy Witton crossroads junction.

And when they have not been deployed due to smaller crowds for lesser games such as the Carling Cup, there have been increased delays.

John Myles, the Lancashire Telegraph's Blackburn Rovers columnist, said generally travelling to Ewood Park was a lot easier than many other stadiums.

But on the traffic light changes he said: "Some congestion will be unavoidable.

"We will have to suck it and see. It will be a shame if it gets to the stage where it starts putting people off if they are stuck at traffic lights for ages."

Ewood councillor Maureen Bateson said she would be closely monitoring the situation this weekend.

She said: "I do have concerns, and think there will be some confusion about where people park and how the new system operates.

"It is a big game against Everton, and they will bring a lot of supporters, so it will be a major test.”

A series of meetings have been held over the summer, and trial matches last season were said to have passed without incident.

Malcolm Doherty, chairman of Lancashire Police Authority, said: “The police should be about policing, and we will still control things in terms of security."

Meanwhile, new car parks are being made available to replace Darwen Vale school, which was the main parking area for away fans last season.

Space is being made available at Darwen Services on the M65 and off Branch Road.