Angry residents in Barton Hill, Bristol, protested in the early hours of Thursday as council contractors installed a bus gate as part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial.
Protesters, including fasting women during Ramadan, lay in the road to block works, calling the move "sneaky" and undemocratic.
Police were present to support the installation.
Councillor Ed Plowden stated the bus gates are not yet active and there will be a ‘soft’ enforcement period before fines begin.
