Controversial changes to the road layout on Glencrutchery Road only come into force at the end of the month, according to a proposed highways order.

Motorists have faced disruption and tailbacks since the changes, which include a combined bus/cycle lane and routing northbound traffic via Governor’s Dip, were introduced without warning on Monday last week.

But a highway services public order, published in this week’s Examiner, states that the proposed orders will only come into force at 6am on June 30.

Questions about the legal basis for changes were raised in the House of Keys by Douglas East MHK Clare Barber.

She asked whether all the statutory requirements had been complied with to make the bus-cycle lane enforceable.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker dodged the question, saying that enforcement would fall under the Road Traffic Act.

He said the new bus-cycle lane is 280m long and was created by narrowing the straight ahead lane and reducing the existing left hand lane which was 65m long by 25m or about four car lengths.

Mr Baker said the changes follow his department’s established principle for traffic management of prioritising walking, cycling, bus transport and car journeys in that order.

He said there were temporary changes which would be kept under review.

Mr Baker told the Keys that bus services need to operate to a published timetable.

He said the changes were designed to ease the traffic and congestion that would result from displacing 10,000 southbound journeys a day from the Promenade.

The highways order states that only buses and cycles can use the new lane and restrictions will be in place from June 30 to 6pm on September 8. Restrictions at Governor’s Bridge, including the Dip, a 20mph limit, and no right turn into Victoria Road will also be in place between those same dates.