BRITAIN'S first toll road could bring the area some European glory next month.

The £2 charging scheme to use the narrow roads on Durham City's peninsula is one of 11 projects shortlisted for the European Public Transport Award.

The scheme, which has cut traffic in the area by 90 per cent, won the Consultation with the Community category in the Labour Party's annual Best Practice Awards.

Durham County Council is also one of three shortlisted for the 2003 UK Transport Authority of the Year title, which will be announced on Thursday, June 5, the same night as the European award.

Council leader Ken Manton said being shortlisted for the awards was recognition in itself, but that to win either or both of them would be "the icing on the cake".

The European awards recognise radical and potentially unpopular schemes to improve urban transport.

The council will give a presentation on the toll road to European public transport officials the day after the awards.

The scheme will also feature in a four-day exhibition that could attract more than 5,000 visitors.

Coun Manton said: "The congestion charging scheme illustrates our willingness to seek innovative ways to meet the challenges that arise from the conflicting demands of different user groups.

"Whether we come back with the trophy or not, it has certainly put our name firmly on the European map."