Dunedin businesses are up in arms over a plan to cut hundreds of main road car parks for fully-separated cycling lanes.
More than 1000 submissions have already been sent to the Transport Agency and Dunedin City Council since they launched a public consultation last Friday.
The plan to create New Zealand's first dedicated cycle lanes on a state highway has hit a raw nerve.
Hundreds of cyclists keen to use the new lane have shown their support, but businesses are now rallying in opposition.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said on Thursday that feelings are running high.
"I've had dozens of people contact me and I suspect many of them will be submitting in their own right. They're very vocal on this issue and I'd expect that council will have very polarised views on this matter."
Mr Christie said city retailers and building owners fear losing up to 400 car parks and that the public will be put off coming into the city.