Motorists are complaining journey times have tripled thanks to a new £1.9 million bus and cycle lane.

Queues of more than two miles have been reported along Lewes Road, Brighton, after Brighton and Hove City Council’s new scheme went live last week.

Before it opened, the local authority said it would ease congestion and make life easier for all road users.

But, more than a week in, users of all forms of motor transport are complaining it is causing them major delays and severe headaches, even outside rush hour.

Yesterday problems were exacerbated as the local authority blocked off the general use lane while its workers cut the grass verge.

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Mo Marsh, who represents Moulsecoomb and Bevendean on the local authority, said the decision seemed “incredibly perverse”, adding: “Why they couldn’t have done this a week ago before it went live I do not know.”

Mother-of-two Paula Barsby, of Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, said her school run to Coldean Primary School had been doubled to 20 minutes thanks to the changes.

And a journey from Coldean to Woodingdean earlier in the week took more than hour – three times longer than the previous 20 minutes.

Ms Barsby said: “It’s just getting unbelievable.”

On Monday evening, severe delays were reported by all traffic, including buses.

Among the complaints are back roads being used as rat runs; traffic piling up in side streets, such as The Avenue and Coombe Road; and left-turn filter lanes not long enough.

Coun Marsh, who asked a series of questions to council leaders about the scheme during construction, said: “So far it’s not been good.

“All I was worried about has come to fruition without necessarily solving the traffic management.

“I’m sure if you were a cyclist you will be thrilled but speaking on behalf of residents who are not fit or able, or have small businesses which are severely affected, there are major issues. I think limited hour bus lanes might be something we could really explore.”

A council spokesman said their calculations suggest in the longer term as bus reliability improves, there will be a small increase in car journey times of three to five minutes.

“It should be remembered car journeys are not the most common formof travel down this road. More people already travel by bus, which is why their priority has been increased. “