A TOLL on drivers to enter a city centre has been hailed a success.

In evidence to MPs, council leaders said daytime traffic in the peninsular area of Durham City had been cut by about 90 per cent.

Their views were being heard by the Commons Transport Committee, which is holding an inquiry into the future of charges to cut traffic congestion around the country.

Roger Elphick, director of highways at Durham County Council, which runs the scheme, said that since it came in at the beginning of the month, the average flow between 10am and 4pm, in the Saddler Street and Market Place area, had dropped from 2,000 to 200 vehicles a day.

Council deputy leader Don Ross said: "The vast majority of people have supported the scheme."

A £2 charge operates from Monday to Saturday for vehicles entering the previously-congested area. It is the first such scheme to be introduced in England - although others are in the pipeline, including £5 to drive into London.

Measures have been introduced in Durham, including buses between the centre and outside car parks, to improve access for pedestrians and public transport.

The scheme's success in its first two weeks has exceeded predictions, which suggested traffic reductions would be about 50 per cent. The charge, and income from a cathedral bus service is expected to raise about £120,000 a year in revenue.

In written evidence to the committee, the council said: "It will be a measure of success that motorists elect not to meet the charge and that less income is generated."

However any deficit would be subsidised by parking charges, it said.