TRIAL traffic restrictions to combat congestion on a city centre's narrow road network are likely to become permanent.

At a meeting tomorrow, Durham County Council's highways committee will be asked to approve the permanent introduction of loading restrictions in the Market Place and Saddler Street.

The restrictions were revised as part of a wider traffic management scheme, in which a £2 road toll was introduced for vehicles using roads in Durham at peak times.

Durham County Council highways chiefs wanted "to better reflect activity and opportunity" to use the Market Place and Saddler Street, after the volume of traffic was reduced following the introduction of the toll charge, in October 2002.

The charge applies to all non-permit vehicles leaving Saddler Street, between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

It has led to a large reduction in traffic use.

A trial to reduce the previous 13-hour loading restriction on Saddler Street was introduced at the same time as the toll.

Disabled parking bays in the Market Place were removed, with each kerbside designated as a loading bay during the set times.

Other changes included restricting vehicle access to Elvet Bridge for loading between 11pm and 10am.

The trial restrictions attracted initial opposition from seven Saddler Street traders, and one from a non-resident over the legality of the experimental orders.

Chris Tunstall, the county council's deputy chief executive, who oversees environment management, said further consultation had been carried out with the objectors.

"Although some have expressed concern with regards to the road-user charge and its effect on servicing arrangements, in general the amended loading arrangements are considered to be of benefit and are supported."

Mr Tunstall said one Market Place retailer had now expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, but one of the initial objecting traders continues to oppose the changes.

He said the police backed the scheme.