A controversial new road scheme aimed at reducing congestion has created huge tailbacks and more than doubled commuting time.

The three mile bus lane on the A259 South Coast Road between Ovingdean and Telscombe Cliffs was opened on Monday but has caused traffic chaos and left motorists fuming.

And East Sussex County Council bosses tonight apologised to commuters and promised to take action to ease congestion on the route.

The new bus lane has taken up part of the road and traffic lights have replaced a mini roundabout at the junction of Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, and South Coast Road.

The scheme was expect to cut rush hour bus journeys but Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company managing director Roger French said it has instead added 45 minutes to some journeys.

Mr French said traffic was grinding to a halt because of the traffic lights and has called for the return of the mini roundabout.

The changes were introduced as part of a £1.8 million Sustainable Corridor scheme which will eventually see a bus lane between Brighton and Hove and Newhaven.