SAINTS fans have been issued with a traffic alert ahead of tonight's vital Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Drivers have been locked in big queues in and out of the city during rush hour this evening.

Now club officials have warned fans to leave early to make sure they make the 7.45pm kick off.

A message issued by Saints this evening said: “We've had word of some bad traffic in Southampton, so leave plenty of time for your journey to St Mary's this evening.”

Motorists have reported heavy traffic on Millbrook Road and the M271 to the west and Bursledon Road to the east of the city as well as on the M3 to the north.

A smash in the city centre at West Park Road has added to the traffic misery this evening.

There is slow traffic on the M27 after a smash on the eastbound carriageway between junction five for Wide Lane and junction seven at Hedge End, which has now been moved to the hard shoulder.

Queues are stretching back as far as junction four on the M3 junction four.

One lane was closed around 4pm - but all lanes are now open.

Meanwhile the A3024 Bursledon Road out of Southampton is partially blocked due to an accident at White's Road. Police are directing traffic following the collision at 4.20pm.

West Park Road in Southampton is also closed after a crash at the road's junction with Havelock Road  and Commercial Road.