THE public have a month to lodge objections and other views over the proposed introduction of a toll for vehicles using congested streets in a city centre.

A traffic order allowing for a £2 charge for users of the narrow roads on Durham's central peninsula will be sent for final Government approval next month or early in 2002.

The payment would apply to all non-permit vehicles leaving the peninsula via Saddler Street and the Market Place, on Monday to Saturday, between 10am and 4pm, excluding public holidays.

Saddler Street, leading to the world heritage site of the cathedral and castle on Palace Green, is frequently blocked by traffic and tourists, shoppers and other pedestrians, causing tailbacks at the Market Place entrance.

Durham County Council highway chiefs drew up plans for the toll, one of the first considered under new powers available to local authorities to relieve congestion, following consultation with residents, Durham University colleges, the cathedral's dean and chapter, traders and other city centre businesses.

Under the proposals, a restricted number of exemption permits would be issued to residents and occupiers of premises on the peninsula.

A small number of other vehicles, including mopeds and emergency service vehicles, would also be exempt from payment.

Andrew North, the county council's director of corporate and legal services, said the scheme was aimed at addressing increasing conflict arising from traffic and pedestrians seeking access to the Market Place and peninsula.

He said: "A reduction in volumes of vehicular traffic will result in an improved environment for pedestrians, mobility impaired and public transport users.

"The scheme also aims to reduce volumes of freight traffic at peak periods which, in turn, will result in safety and environmental improvements."

Mr North said the toll proposals conform with government policy and the county council's transport plan.

Funds raised from the charge would be used to subsidise and improve Durham's Shopmobility scheme, aimed at making the city centre more accessible to less able-bodied people, and to improve public transport with the provision of more low-floor, easy-access buses.

The proposals can be viewed in copies of the draft order, at Durham City Library, in South Street, or at room 1/14, at County Hall.

Representations must be lodged with Mr North, at County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL, by December 1