A NORTH-EAST town is in the running to receive almost £4m to cut congestion in the town centre.

But if Darlington wins the half share of £7.5m, car park charges could rise and street parking may be discouraged, with more residents' parking schemes set up.

Seven towns in England have been shortlisted and two will be chosen to receive a share of £7.5m from the Department of Transport as part of its "sustainable transport" initiative.

If Darlington wins, over the next five years it plans to introduce schemes including a bus link from the station to the airport

Last night Nigel Humphries, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said: "The people of Darlington should be disgusted that they have been chosen as part of this scheme - it is disgusting that the council has put them forward for it.

"It is not about sustainable transport or about improving transport, it is about using taxpayers' money to bring in measures to rip-off people going about their every day business."

But Nick Wallis, the cabinet member for highways and transport on Darlington Borough Council, said: "This is a great opportunity to take our improvements in transport one important stage further."

The council has already started implementing new bus stops and pedestrianisation is planned for more of Darlington's town centre.