A MONSTROUS cycle-lane which dwarfs the space left for cars has been painted onto a road in Poole.

Cyclists tackling steep Constitution Hill Road have enough room to stage a mass start of the Tour de France.

But the carriageway left for motors is scarcely wide enough for the thinnest of cars, let alone a bus or lorry.

“It’s ludicrous,” said resident Brian Kennedy, who lives nearby. “When I first saw it, it didn’t occur to me it was a cycle lane because it’s just too wide.”

Broad enough for two-wheelers to wobble, it is in fact 2m across, leaving a mere 1.4m of carriageway for motorists – and disappears entirely before the road reaches the top.

“It just seems stupid,” said Mr Kennedy, a regular user of the road. “A few cycle up there but most of the cyclists dismount and walk up the pavement.”

However, Borough of Poole has mounted a robust defence of the wide pedal lane on a road only 6.8m across.

Steve Dean, principal engineer, said: “The new cycle lane is designed to encourage motorists to give more room to cyclists as they tackle the steepest section of Constitution Hill Road.

“Vehicles travelling up Constitution Hill are able to straddle the cycle lane as the markings are advisory and as such are there primarily to act as a reminder to motorists to give space to cyclists.”

He added: “The lane has been marked in accordance with national guidance but further signs and cycle logos are scheduled to be added and we hope this will make the situation clearer for all road users.

“We are currently monitoring the use of the lane and most drivers seem to be using it appropriately.”