Rush-hour confusion reigned and tailbacks built up as motorists faced baffling changes to a main commuter route.

Police were called in to help direct traffic as a new combined bus and cycle lane came into force without warning on Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, yesterday (Monday).

Without the usual left-hand turning lane, queues built up back to the Grandstand pit lane exit.

Meanwhile, there was even more confusion at the other end of Glencrutchery Road where northbound traffic was directed onto Governor’s Dip, normally only used for the TT.

Highways chiefs insist the measures are aimed at helping traffic flows while Douglas Promenade is one-way northbound.

But with the prom closed southbound as from yesterday, far more traffic will be using Glencrutchery Road to get into town.

Police urged commuters to leave extra time for their journey.

They tweeted: ’Police are in attendance in the area of Governor’s and Victoria Road roundabouts. This is due to new road markings which are causing some confusion to road users. The DoI are also present and signage being provided.’

Among those who commented on the one-way system at Governor’s Dip was former director of highways Bruce Hannay, who posted on the police’s Facebook page: ’I haven’t seen a revised traffic order. I’m incredulous that buses and lorries have to use the Dip.’

Other drivers posted their concerns. One said: ’This is chaos and no amount of signage and manpower is going to make this work.’

Another said: ’I actually can’t believe what’s been done. The changes at St Ninian’s will result in more congestion and delays and is ill conceived.

’Regardless of what’s happening on the promenade, how can devoting a third of the carriageway to cycles and buses improve traffic flow?’

The one-way system using the Dip had to be amended overnight last night (Monday-Tuesday) following a review.

Other changes have been made at the Main Road-Avondale Road junction in Onchan, where the number of lanes has been reduced.

In a statement, the Department of Infrastructure said: ’The installation of a bus and cycle lane on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas is a temporary measure to help southbound traffic flows, and is among a series of changes in place while the promenade is one-way northbound between Victoria Street and Summer Hill.

’Cyclists and bus passengers are being given priority in line with government commitments to climate change and active travel, and on creating attractive places for people to live and work.

’The new layout is being monitored while motorists become used to the change, and will be subject to review if deemed necessary.

’A change requiring motorists to use the dip at the Governor’s Hill/Victoria Road has been reviewed this morning and will be amended overnight.

’Other changes have seen four lanes reduced to three at the Main Road-Avondale Road junction in Onchan in order to reduce queueing from the Laxey direction, while traffic signals at multiple locations have been modified to ease the flow of traffic.’

â?¢A motorcyclist and passenger were injured in a collision with a 4x4 car at the crossroads close to Tynwald Hill, St John’s, on Monday.

The male rider is believed to have suffered fractures, while the female passenger was able to walk to the ambulance.