Congestion charging in Durham City began in October 2002

In October 2002 Durham City began charging motorists entering the cathedral area of the city.

The �2 levy slashed the number of vehicles by about 90%.

Now planners have announced ambitious plans to introduce three park-and-ride schemes, which it is claimed are needed to further reduce congestion.

They want to build a trio of 400-space car parks, on the outskirts of the city.

Roger Elphick, the head of highway management services for Durham County Council, said the historic city was still log jammed.

He said: "Durham city is still really short of parking.

'Clean bus service'

"This is the third stage of a comprehensive traffic management plan for the city.

"We have sorted out the on-street parking, but it's the short-stay parking which is still a problem.

"We need to get the tourists and the day-trippers out of the centre and create more parking in these areas.

"We are aware of the concerns that have dogged other park-and-ride scheme, such as security and regular and clean bus services.

"There is a lot of money going into these schemes - about �9m in total."

Mr Elphick said users would be charged about �1.50 for a return trip from any of the three sites.

Planning permission for one site at Carville has already received approval.