Any person whose interests would be adversely affected by the granting of a franchise may file protests thereto. No form of protest is prescribed, but such protests shall be in writing, mailed to the department of transportation at the address listed in the notice, and to the applicant at the address stated in the application for franchise, and shall briefly state the facts upon which such protest is based. No protest or amendment thereof shall be considered by the department unless received within fourteen days after the notice of filing has been posted and published.