Gray said: "It happens with every single scheme like this, when it goes to consultation people do not want change, and they say they don’t want it.

“But councils need to understand that delivering these schemes is popular in the long run once we get over the hill of hysteria.”

A trial took place on the road in 2022 to study the impact of removing the middle lane.

While a survey found that journey time increased by 30 seconds between Barley Farm and Peel Green roundabout, concerns were raised about lengthy delays for local residents.