PEOPLE will be asked their views on plans to charge drivers £2 to use a tiny street at the heart of an historic North-East city.

Saddler Street, in the centre of Durham City, would become Britain's first toll road for more than 100 years if proposals are given the green light.

Yesterday, Durham County Council's executive committee agreed to seek the public's views on the scheme, which environmental planners hope will reduce traffic in both Saddler Street and Market Place.

The street, one of the oldest in the country, is used by up to 3,000 vehicles a day and between 13,000 and 17,000 pedestrians.

It is the only route for vehicles travelling to the cathedral, castle, The Chorister School, parts of Durham University and several small businesses and homes.

Council figures show 15 people have been hurt in accidents on the road during the past five years and there are worries the street - only 10ft wide in some places - is a danger due to congestion.

There are also concerns about drivers flouting parking restrictions in the Market Place, or using Saddler Street as a drop-off and pick-up point for people making quick trips to banks and shops.

The council wants to introduce the charge for vehicles between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Businesses in Saddler Street are worried trade could fall if the toll forces people away from the area.

Residents, cathedral volunteers and postal deliveries would be exempt from charges, but taxis and delivery drivers calling at the Market Place between 10am and 4pm would have to pay.

Loading would be banned on part of Saddler Street between 8am and 10pm.

The consultation, expected to take place next month, is intended to be informal with the results being reported back to the council before a formal consultation is held.

Chris Tunstall, the council's director of environment, said: "We are seeking an informal consultation so we can get feedback from the public and take on board any modifications necessary at this time.

"It will be subject to a full, formal consultation in the new year.