A CONTROVERSIAL transport experiment looks set to be scrapped after complaints that it caused more problems than it attempted to solve.

Bath and North East Somerset Council had hoped a 24-hour bus lane along the A4 London Road would help to ease traffic congestion.

However, councillors now want to revert to the original scheme where the lane was restricted to buses between 7am and 10am. The experiment was voted through in February, and bus operators claimed it helped to improve the reliability of services.

But the Conservative opposition claimed that shoppers, visitors and commuters were being squeezed into smaller spaces, leading to worsening congestion and pollution. Conservative councillor Ian Dewey said: "The 24-hour bus lane experiment has been disastrous.

"Local people are suffering increased congestion and pollution levels as queues of traffic squeeze into less road space, while the bus lane remains empty for most of the day."

B&NES had hoped the scheme would help the city's economy by improving access to Bath attractions and workplaces. It also believed it would promote public transport and reduce inefficient stop-start driving.

Instead, councillors have agreed to take another look at the scheme. A site visit has been suggested, which would give councillors the chance to take a closer look at the problems.

Bus operators will also be consulted. The review of the bus lanes in London Road will then be reported back to a future meeting to decide the next step forward.