Motorists have warned that Brighton's new £1 million cycle and bus lane is “lethal”.

The warning came as the new layout and bus lanes in Lewes Road, Brighton, were being enforced.

From yesterday, only buses and taxis are allowed to use the inner lanes on the dual carriageway.

Brighton and Hove City Council believes the scheme, which is part of a £6.2 million project to boost sustainable transport use in the Lewes Road corridor, will make it easier for everyone to get about.

But regular users of the road claim the new layout will cause confusion, especially at junctions with Coombe Road, Coldean Lane and the Vogue Gyratory.

‘A shambles’ It comes as police were called to a three vehicle road accident involving a bus at about 2pm on Friday near the notorious Vogue junction.

Andrew Gunner, who lives in Shoreham but works as an estate agents in Lewes Road, witnessed the incident.

He said: “It really is lethal. I can see a cyclist getting knocked off or a more major accident happening any time soon.

“I use Lewes Road numerous times a day and I am stunned at how it has worked out.

“At peak times traffic backs up all the way to Coldean Lane; pollution, traffic jams, journey times are all worse.

“With lethal turnings and junctions, and everyone using the back streets in Moulsecoomb to avoid the road, it is nothing short of a shambles.”

Work started on the scheme last year and has been completed three months ahead of schedule.

The layout means buses no longer have to cross cycle lanes to pick up passengers. Officials predict the changes will see bus journey times improved by up to 30 per cent and passenger numbers rise by 25 per cent. In addition, the number of car trips is expected to drop by ten per cent.

An official opening ceremony for the new bus and cycle lane will take place on October 5 in Wild Park, Brighton from 1pm to 4pm.

Deputy council leader Ian Davey said: “Our approach is to try to make it easier for everyone to get about.

“So this route will be better and quicker for buses and taxis and more pleasant and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“If you have to drive, there will be fewer cars on the route than there would otherwise be, so your journey might be better too.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers attended the incident.

He said there were no injuries |or congestion but there were |some issues as drivers were not exchanging details.