LONG delays are expected after the traffic lights at Blackwater stopped working this afternoon.

A spokesperson from BCP Council said engineers are at the scene, but the problem is expected to continue into this evening's rush hour.

"Due to a power outage, traffic lights on the A338 Christchurch at Blackwater both east and west junction are currently out of action," the spokesperson said.

"SSE are on the scene but expect this problem to persist into rush hour.

"Proceed with caution and lower your speed."