Brighton and Hove Albion bosses want to operate a third park-and-ride scheme.

The club has put in a bid for the scheme to Brighton and Hove City Council.

It already operates two highly successful schemes from Mithras House in Lewes Road and Mill Road in Westdene.

Fans park in designated areas and are taken to the temporary ground at Withdean by Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company.

Now, on match days, the club wants to close part of Carden Avenue, between the A27 roundabout and the entrance to Tates, to allow spectators to park on the road and use buses to get to the stadium.

It would happen about 25 times a year, mainly on Saturdays but also for some evening and Sunday games.

The road would be closed for six hours and traffic directed along Crowhurst Road.

The Albion has already written to businesses on the Hollingbury estate telling them about the plan and asking for comments.

Chief executive Martin Perry said the bid was part of the club's planning application for extra seats at Withdean Stadium.

The club is now in Division One of the Football League and expects bigger crowds than before.

The existing park-and-ride schemes worked well thanks to their organisers, co-operation from the supporters and the bus company.

He added: "If you want to encourage people to switch from their cars to sustainable modes of transport, you have to make it work."

People would not just get out of their cars but they would if a good public transport service was provided.

Mr Perry said the Hollingbury estate was generally less busy at match times than many other periods during the week.

The section of road to be closed could provide parking for about 200 vehicles.