Approved by the local traffic committee, work had begun to change County Drive from two lanes each way into one each way, with the introduction of a cycle lane.

This quickly sparked anger from residents concerned about increased traffic congestion.

Cr Berman said the council was also worried about the changes.

``We are also concerned about the impact on traffic with the lane being reduced to one,'' he said.

``We understand residents were not happy about the initial change and we feel there's a whole range of other options we can look at so we can get the best outcome for everyone.''

The changes were originally made in an attempt to reduce speeding along County Drive.

``At this stage, we need two lanes particularly at peak times,'' Cr Berman said.

``We need to have the traffic officers consult with the councillors and then see what other residents have to say.

``A lot of thought needs to be given to this problem.''

In an anonymous letter distributed to residents in County Drive, Cherrybrook, the changes were said to be a degradation of the local area .

It was a ``rash and stupid decision'' taken without consultation, the letter said.

County Drive Action Group spokesman Mark McCormick said a result needed to happen sooner rather than later.

``The council has halted work pending consultation.

``We don't know what that means, it could be a public meeting prior to a full council meeting in March,'' Mr McCormick said.

``We are calling for an extraordinary meeting ASAP, as the line markings and barriers have already been put in place. ``So in effect it's [one lane] already in place.''

``We also want to see no parking on County Drive during peak hour, as at the moment there is parking there.''

The action group has set up a website at countydrive.com for residents to post comments about the changes.

Resident Jonathan Weddell supported the lane change.

He said it reduced speeding and made the road much safer for everyone using it.