Small traders have fiercely criticised Colchester's new bus lane branding it a waste of money and a danger to the public.

The long-awaited scheme came into force on North Hill on Monday and is part of Colchester Council's mission to ease traffic congestion and persuade people to travel on buses.

Between 9am and 6pm Monday to Saturday only buses, taxis, minicabs, motorcyclists and cyclists are allowed in the green-coloured lane and 30 minute parking on the hill has been scrapped.

Shopkeepers have confirmed fears they will lose passing trade and some believe it will stop people bothering to shop in the High Street too.

They also claim buses and minicabs are able to travel faster than before, putting pedestrians crossing in danger.

Ken Chambers, of Studio Cellini beauty salon, said: "It's diabolical and dangerous. The loss of parking will affect shops in High Street.

"We have got three lanes of traffic and it is difficult to judge the speeds. It is impossible to cross the hill unless you go right to the top or bottom, we need a pedestrian crossing."

Dentist Pat York, who owns the dental practice on North Hill, said: "It's a waste of money. The whole policy has not been thought out. The bus goes up the hill and then has to stop again in the narrow High Street.

"The council has no sympathy for the small trader. They are much happier to keep the big traders in the town happy."

It is causing problems for patients who have to be picked up because they are sedated or handicapped and for delivery drivers, he added.

"I have an established trade but the person who takes over the practice when I sell up may struggle."

Kathy Norris, owner of Prontaprint, said: "We have lost short-term parking. Colchester will close down. I have heard of people going to Ipswich and Sudbury to shop instead of coming here now. It will affect trade."

Colchester Council has received "no remarkable feedback" since the lane was introduced.

The council's chairman of planning and transportation Terry Sutton (Lib Dem, Berechurch) said: "There was only 30 minute parking on the hill and people take longer than 30 minutes to shop.

"Essentially it is a good idea because it affects the whole of Colchester not one or two traders."

On the claim that it had decreased road safety, Mr Sutton added: "Roads are not designed by councillors. They are designed by road safety engineers and we are guided by professional traffic engineers."

A second bus lane is being constructed at North Station Road between the Essex Hall and Albert roundabouts and should be in force in around six weeks time.

Next on the programme will be Head Street and the rest of North Station Road. The whole package was agreed by all political parties on the council and has been funded by Government grants.

Despite the new lane, buses are arriving late because they are getting caught up in the North Station Road works.

Yesterday a lane at North Station Road was closed off while the new green surface was laid for the bus route. And traffic was gridlocked.

Councillor Kim Naish (Lab, Mile End) has complained about the congestion. But Terry Sutton (Lib Dem, Berechurch) said the necessary work was being done in the Easter holiday specifically because there was less traffic on the roads and disruption would be minimised.

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