MEDIEVAL streets in a North-East city centre are in the vanguard of moves to introduce road tolls to combat urban congestion.

News that London Mayor Ken Livingston is considering introducing a £5 charge for use of roads in the centre of the capital comes just months before the potential introduction of tolls for use of Durham's city centre peninsula.

Following lengthy consultation, Durham County Council's highways department drew up proposals for £2-per-hour charges for vehicles using Saddler Street, the narrow road leading from the Market Place to Palace Green and the World Heritage sites of the cathedral and castle. The charge would be levied at a barrier as vehicles leave the peninsula on Mondays to Saturdays, between 10am and 4pm.

People living on the peninsula, including students in college halls of residence on South and North Bailey, would be exempt from the toll.

Other regular authorised users would have to apply for permits, depending on availability of parking spaces. A loading ban, between 8am and 10am, is another feature of the proposals in a further bid to curb congestion.

Funds raised from the tolls would be used to improve Durham's Shopmobility scheme, to assist the less able-bodied gain access to the city centre, and aid public transport with the introduction of low-floor, easy-access buses.

The county council plans to stage one last round of consultation, with the city's chamber of trade, other businesses and community groups, in October.

Providing there are no major objections the proposals would then be lodged with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for final approval.