Durham to have congestion charging

Motorists will pay £2 to use Durham city centre

Motorists in Durham will become the first in Britain to have to pay to take vehicles into a city centre.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has approved Durham County Council's plan for the country's first 'toll road' for 100 years.

From the end of September motorists will have to pay £2 to take vehicles into the city's market square area - or face a £30 fine.

But conservationists say the system should have a trial period before being permanently introduced.

The aim is to reduce traffic in the city centre and provide revenue to support a new shuttle bus service

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton

Council bosses say the move will reduce the 3,000 vehicles a day, which use the narrow entrance to the historic city centre and the approach to Durham's cathedral and castle.

Up to 17,000 pedestrians use the same stretch of road - wide enough for just one vehicle at a time.

Council leader Ken Manton said: "We believe the access charge will resolve the conflict of vehicles and pedestrians.

"It will give more breathing space to pedestrians in the city centre and substantially enhance the environment."

Residents, motorcyclists and the disabled will be exempt from the levy.

A rising bollard linked to a ticket machine and security cameras will control entry and exit to the area.

'Effectively policed'

But Dr Douglas Pocock, of the City of Durham Trust, said: "We think this should be for an experimental trial period.

"We don't see why a properly signed and effectively policed zone would not be better than having this toll."

He says the move will impact on casual visitors to the city as well as shoppers and taxis.

But Mr Manton said: "The aim is to reduce the volume of traffic in the city centre and provide the revenue to support a new shuttle bus service.

"The historic peninsular within the centre has suffered increasing levels of traffic leading to congestion and conflict that is detrimental to its world heritage status."