City centre road charge to more than double in May
PA MediaA fee to drive within a city centre will more than double next month in a bid to reduce congestion.
Durham's Road User Charge will go up from £2 to £5 from 6 May and its operating hours will be extended by 10 hours to 02:00.
The charge zone covers the area near the cathedral, Market Place, Durham Chorister School, university colleges and several shops and businesses.
Some road users had previously called the measures "disproportionate", but Durham County Council said the changes aimed to reduce traffic in the historic city centre.
Currently motorists are charged for entering the zone between 10:00 and 16:00 Monday to Saturday.
Under the new rules, approved by the council and signed off by its corporate director earlier this month, the charge will be in place between 10:00 and 02:00 every day, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Some vehicles, such as the emergency services, will be exempt, and blue badge holders can also apply for an exemption.
Exemptions will also apply for residents and businesses with off-street parking spaces - but extending that to visitors would be "detrimental" to reducing traffic, the county council said.
Safety risks
Dave Lewin, strategic traffic manager at Durham County Council, said the city's historic peninsula attracted up to 30,000 vehicles a month, despite its limited off-street parking.
"This poses safety risks for pedestrians and detracts from the historic appearance of the city centre," Mr Lewin said.
"Durham Constabulary and other stakeholders agree that action is required, and the changes to the road user charge are intended to act as a deterrent."
Sally Harrod, headteacher of Durham Chorister School, had previously said the charge hike would "present a significant barrier".
"The increase is disproportionate and excessive and on a daily basis is not a sustainable option for our parents," Ms Harrod said.
But Susan Walker, of City of Durham Parish Council, urged the county council to enforce even stricter measures.
Mr Lewin added the effectiveness of the changes would be reviewed over time.