A new experimental bus lane which has been put in place in Ipswich has been branded as "one of the stupidest ideas ever," by residents. 

The West End Road lane has been installed to help reduce the impact of congestion in and around the town. 

According to Suffolk County Council the bus lane in will help provide a more reliable bus journey time to the Copdock park and ride.

One angry resident said on Facebook: "One of the stupidest ideas ever. 

"All it has done is create heavy traffic where there was none."

Another person said: "Absolutely pointless as there is never any traffic in West End Road. 

"The money needs to be spent on more CCTV cameras in speed cameras especially around Chantry and Birkfield Drive. It's like a race track most nights."

However, one resident believes the new bus lane could be "handy" on days when Ipswich Town Football Club has a game. 

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Highways said: "The experimental bus lane has been implemented as part of the county council’s ambition to provide faster, more reliable bus services whilst reducing the number of vehicles in the town.

"The experimental measure has been made in response to a request from the Bus Enhanced Partnership which includes the main bus operators in the town.

"A consultation survey has been created and can be completed between August 1 and September 29 2023.  

"For more information, and to complete the survey, please visit Suffolk County Council website."