Officials in the cathedral city of Durham were this morning putting the final touches to the first congestion charging traffic scheme to come into effect in Britain.

Under the scheme, which was coming into effect at 10am, motorists pay £2 for using a winding narrow road which runs through the heart of the historic city.

But already concerns have been raised as to whether the benefits of the scheme will outweigh any problems.

Denise Raven, spokeswoman for the AA in the north east, said today that the scheme might not achieve what the city council hoped - and that it could give visitors the wrong impression. "It's not what people would think of as road charging, she said.

"It does not operate during congested hours, it's only between 10 and four.

"It's on a very minor road, in effect a cul-de-sac, which is not a crucial area of the city.

"To say that 3,000 vehicles a day use it does not make it a busy road - there are sections of the M25 which probably take 300,000 vehicles a day.

"What they have to be careful of is that they have not introduced something that causes more problems for regular users, traders and delivery vehicles for the sake of a few thousand cars.

"Durham is now labelled a city you have to pay to get into.''

Durham County Council says income from the £2 toll will help finance a shopmobility project for disabled people and help fund improved bus provision in the area.

For the first couple of weeks of the scheme the council is prepared to be lenient with motorists as the system beds in but when fully operational those who refuse to pay the £2 face a £30 fine.

Motorists are allowed to drive into Saddler Street, a loop road, but will face the £2 charge as they leave on leaving the street where a rising bollard has been positioned.

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton has said of the nation's first congestion charging scheme:

"I am sure it won't be very long before people become accustomed to it and accept that it's helping to create a safer and better environment in the historic city centre.''