DURHAM university students living in and around the city centre fear they could be banned from having cars.

It is one option the university is looking at to ease problems of students taking up limited parking spaces.

If it was introduced, students living in private houses up to five miles from the city centre would not be able to keep vehicles.

On-street parking charges and restrictions have been introduced by Durham County Council in many side streets to reduce parking problems and congestion.

Durham Student Union president Craig Jones said the proposal would mean students having to agree with the restriction as a condition of acceptance for their course. Some students, such as the disabled and those needing to drive in connection with their course would be exempt.

Mr Jones said: "Some students have part-time jobs - it is increasing with tuition fees - and need a car because they are coming home late at night when there is no public transport.

"I don't think students use cars gratuitously. I think problems of parking and congestion are caused by shoppers and commuters.

"It is only about one in 30 students who have a car and in my experience you do not get three or four cars to a house."

Currently students with cars need to register with the university and are only allowed two per house but residents say the rule is often flouted.

Durham MP Gerry Steinberg welcomed parking restrictions, saying: "I can't understand why students need a car, apart from those who live in the sticks. Those who live in the city centre are clogging up the streets.''

Nevilles Cross resident Roger Hudspeth, of Relly Cross, said: "There are two or three cars per household. We have been on the phone many times to the university's security liaison and they have been up and down but not much happens.

"Two of the cars parked in our street come from Grey College and have permits to park there but the students don't actually live in the street.''

A Durham County Council spokesman said it would welcome measures to resolve parking problems.

A university spokeswoman said: "Talks have been taking place with the students but there is nothing firm on the table, no firm proposals."