A BUS-ONLY lane considered a key element of a city's planned park and ride scheme has won approval despite fears it will increase congestion.

One lane of the A690 dual carriageway approaching Durham from the A1(M) junction at Carrville will be reserved only for buses when the city's £9m park and ride system comes into operation in December.

A stretch of almost three-quarters of a mile will be affected from Belmont slip road to just before the Gilesgate roundabout entering the city centre.

High frequency shuttle buses will use it, from the 400-space park and ride interchange, at Carrville.

Opponents fear it will only add to misery for other motorists heading into the city, particularly during the peak morning rush-hour in school term-time.

County council head of highways management Roger Elphick said measures will be introduced to ensure traffic tailbacks should be no worse at peak times.

These include two lane entry and exit at Gilesgate roundabout to speed the flow.

Mr Elphick said computer micro-simulation, based on average rush hour traffic figures, confirmed that queues should be no worse despite one lane being reserved for bus use only.

He told the county council highways committee: "Really this is to benefit the parking situation in the city centre.

"We feel all the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, and really there are very few disadvantages.

"It's getting to the stage in Durham where not every car will be able to get in. It's a situation we couldn't just leave."

Among the objectors who spoke at the meeting was Rachel Porter, a Belmont parish councillor and regular A690 user.

"It will be fine for some people, but for many it's just not practical.

"We'll have a situation where there will be buses with not a lot of people in them, penalising people who can't use the park and ride.

"Certainly during school term time the bus lane will only add to the delays for everyone else."

Councillor Dennis Southwell said it would only have the effect of "stacking up" traffic from the A690 onto nearby estates.

He suggested a three-month trial period operating the park and ride without the bus-only lane should be tried to judge its viability.

Only councillor Southwell and fellow Liberal-Democrat Ken Holroyd voted against the bus-only lane.