Wellington businesses that petitioned against new cycle and bus lanes are disappointed the plan's going ahead.

Work starts today on a safer bike route and better bus lanes between Newtown and the CBD.

It will also see carparks axed in the area.

A petition against the plan were presented to Wellington City Council last Thursday, but hasn't stopped the project from going ahead.

Newtown General Grocer operator Urmilla Bhana says the council's decision isn't fair.

She says the council had already booked in bulldozers to start work on the plan before the petition was presented.

But council member Iona Pannett says the new infrastructure is needed.

She says currently Newtown is dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, so these changes will benefit those groups.

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