More than 2,300 people have signed a petition calling on controversial changes to a main road to be reversed.

The Department of Infrastructure made overnight changes to the Douglas bound Glencrutchery Road lanes on the same day that it made the promenade one way out of the capital.

Gone was the wide two- lane road and in its place was a three lane road with one third dedicated entirely to buses and cyclists. Since then, commuters have experienced more delays.

The changes led to one road user, Marion Griffiths, creating a petition that calls on the DoI to remove the bus and cycle lane and return the road to its previous condition.

Ms Griffiths, an Onchan resident, told the Manx Independent: ’I started the petition as a result of travelling from Onchan to Douglas via Glencrutchery Road and finding myself increasingly frustrated with the changes that had been made in the area.

’Initially, as the changes appeared to have been a little rushed and certainly without consultation, I was confident that as decision makers analysed the effects of the changes made, that the bus lane would soon be removed.

’It is human nature to resist change, however in this instance it is plain to see that the bus lane has caused a number of negative traffic flow issues and that road users are increasingly frustrated.

’As the days passed and it became clear that decision makers had adopted a bunker mentality, I felt that someone should attempt to raise a public pressure group to force a much needed review of the area.’

The buildup is causing frustration for drivers as the left filter lane is frequently completely free of any traffic and the traffic light is green. Some frustrated road users are crossing into the lane early which Ms Griffiths said is an ’accident waiting to happen’.

She added: ’The north-bound traffic lane travelling towards Onchan is now very narrow. It is too narrow to pass any cyclist safely and parking outside the cemetery has been lost.

’Traffic is being forced onto quieter residential areas as drivers attempt to find alternative diverse routes in order to avoid the bottleneck caused by the bus lane. As an aside I do also wonder about the effects on air quality in the area but am not qualified to state categorically that it has been negatively affected.

’The petition has been well supported by both cyclists and vehicle drivers and it is interesting and revealing to read the supporters’ reasons for signing. There are many common themes. I would like to thank them for their support.’

A DoI spokesman said: ’The department would like to thank the people that have taken the time to sign the petition but for the moment all measures will remain in place.

’The temporary measures will be removed by September 8 but are necessary while the intense programme for Douglas Promenade refurbishment scheme is under way and the one-way system permitting northbound traffic only.

’Small tweaks have been made with the department committed to monitoring the various areas over the next nine weeks.’

The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/isle-of-man-government-minister-for-infrastructure-remove-bus-cycle-lane-from-glencrutchery-road/.