A SHOCKED driver had an uplifting experience yesterday as his van was the first to fall victim to Durham's controversial road toll system.

For the moveable bollard rose out of the road as John Paul Greaves drove over - spearing his van's radiator and striking the engine.

Mr Greaves, who was left surveying the damage - as oil and coolant trickled down the road - said: "I didn't know anything about the bollard, I didn't even know there was anything there. I just heard a crunching sound."

Last night a spokesman for National Car Parks (NCP), which operates the toll system on behalf of Durham County Council, said Mr Greaves would be billed for the damage caused to the scratched bollard.

The pioneering toll road system, the country's first under recent new legislation, aims to cut congestion by charging motorists £2 to use the narrow road leading to the city's castle and cathedral. It attracted national attention when it was unveiled for the first time on Monday.

Once drivers have paid the fee, the bollard sinks into the ground, allowing motorists to pass over it.

Mr Greaves, from Bishop Auckland decorating and building firm R&B Contractors, estimated £400 damage had been caused to his van and added that he would be seeking compensation.

"There was a van in front of me and it pulled away. I said to the attendant, 'am I allowed to go?' she said, 'okay, go'.

"Then I pulled forward and she said, 'oh, wait', but the bollard had come up."

However, NCP contracts manager Kel Gilder, said he had watched a video of the incident and said that Mr Greaves had driven through a red light. He said: "He followed the vehicle in front and didn't stop. He won't be given any compensation. He will be billed for the damage caused to the bollard."

A spokesman for Durham County Council said that on the first day 300 vehicles used the narrow roads covered by the scheme - with only nine refusing to pay during the 10am to 4pm charging period.

"Of the 300 vehicles, 178 paid, nine refused and the remainder were exempt from the charge for one reason or another. We will be pursuing those who did not pay.''

The pay point is monitored by CCTV, which records number plates. Non-payers will be fined £30.