THE operators of a pioneering road toll system have decided against seeking compensation after a van collided with a barrier.

Their decision followed an incident in October, shortly after the toll had been introduced in Durham city centre, when workman John Paul Greaves drove over the moveable bollard as it rose up out of the road. It impaled the van's radiator and struck the engine

Mr Greaves, who at the time was working for decorating and building firm R and B Contractors, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said he was unaware there was a bollard in the road until it hit the van.

At the time of the accident Mr Greaves said he would be seeking compensation for the damage to his vehicle, estimated at £400.

It is believed that R and B Contractors paid for the repairs, but the dispute over who was to blame has yet to be resolved.

National Car Parks (NCP), which operates the system on behalf of Durham County Council, said it would not be compensating Mr Greaves.

Originally, the company said it would bill Mr Greaves for the damage to the bollard, which sinks into the road when drivers pay a £2 toll to use the road leading to the cathedral and castle.

The three-foot barrier fared better than the van and, despite having been struck by other cars since then, has suffered nothing more serious than a few scratches. As a result, NCP will not be seeking compensation.

A spokeswoman for the county council said: "Because the bollard has been so robust, it has not really been damaged. Although a wagon has hit it and others have, it has withstood it very well."