CONTROVERSIAL moves to slash traffic in London are being closely monitored by council chiefs in one of the North's big cities.

Congestion charges are to be introduced to reduce the amount of vehicles which use the capital's streets.

York's traffic experts say they will be keeping an eye on the success of the scheme before any decision is made on introducing it to the city.

A council spokesperson said: "We will obviously be interested in the results from the proposed congestion charging in London and we are continuing to closely monitor any developments on traffic management throughout the country."

Council officers have already held initial talks with the Government about introducing road tolls as a way to control congestion in York.

But the spokesperson said: "Any scheme would involve extensive public consultation, would have to assure us it would not damage the local economy and would have to yield major benefits for residents."