A SCHEME to charge drivers £2 on Durham's peninsula could be up and running by the summer.

Durham County Council highways chiefs hope Saddler Street will become one of the country's first toll roads in time for the tourist season.

The highways committee approved a draft traffic order - despite five objections - that now goes to Transport Secretary Stephen Byers for final approval.

The scheme aims to reduce the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles on the narrow road leading to the cathedral and castle.

Highways director Roger Elphick said: "We want to reduce the amount of unnecessary traffic. About 50 per cent of traffic is mobile parkers who drive up to Palace Green, drop someone off and turn round again.''

A permit scheme will ensure residents, university, cathedral and Durham Chorister School staff do not have to pay.

The charge will be levied Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm.

A traffic island will be created opposite Boots, in the Market Place, and a rising bollard will be installed in the lane heading away from the peninsula. To lift the bollard, drivers will have to pay as they leave the area or feed their permit into the automatic equipment.