A park-and-ride scheme could be introduced to ease traffic problems caused by cricket matches at the County Ground in Hove.

It could mean fans being bussed in from the outskirts of the city when Sussex plays major cup matches or hosts touring international sides.

The scheme could echo that already used by Brighton and Hove Albion for home games at Withdean.

City traffic chiefs have confirmed they are considering closing Mill Road in Brighton on big match days in the summer.

Cricket fans would leave their cars there and catch special buses to the County Ground, in Eaton Road.

The scheme would require a change in traffic bylaws to allow Mill Road to be closed for parking as it would need to remain shut for longer than it now does for Albion games.

The idea was revealed after Hove councillor Jenny Barnard-Langston told Brighton and Hove City Council bosses that residents had complained about parking problems near the ground on match days.

She said: "It became more of a problem after the new residents' parking scheme was introduced in central Hove last summer.

"I am pleased the council is taking the problem seriously and is investigating ways of solving it."

Council traffic engineer Peter Bloxham said: "We will be working with the ground's operations manager in the run-up to the start of the cricket season.

"The club is keen to promote the use of public transport as an alternative to getting to the ground.

"The option of a park-and-ride scheme is being considered, particularly for those games where larger crowds are expected."

He said other sites were being considered for the park-and-ride site, including the Norton Road car park opposite Hove town hall.