Congestion was introduced in Durham City in October 2002

A �2 toll was introduced last October in Durham City to limit traffic along Saddler Street, which leads to the Market Place and the Cathedral.

It is the third time the council has been nominated for such an accolade since the toll charges were introduced.

Durham County Council is among 11 highway authorities shortlisted for the coveted 2002 European Public Transport Award.

Judges will meet in Brussels, Belgium, on 5 June to choose the continent's most radical, innovative and sustainable transport scheme.

[The nomination] has certainly put our name firmly on the European map Councillor Ken Manton

Durham's congestion scheme has already won the council the 'Consultation with the Community' category in the Labour Party's annual Best Practice Awards.

Earlier this month it was announced as one of three authorities to be shortlisted for the 2003 UK Transport Authority of the Year, due to be announced the same night in June.

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton said to be shortlisted for such prestigious awards was recognition in itself.

International recognition

The awards - organised by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions - is to reward cities and regions which have taken radical and potentially unpopular decisions to improve urban mobility.

Mr Manton said he was pleased the authority's approach to solving Durham's traffic problems had won both national and now international recognition.

He said: "The congestion charging scheme illustrates our willingness to seek innovative ways to meet the challenges that arise from the conflicting demands of different user groups.

"Whether we come back with the trophy or not, it has certainly put our name firmly on the European map."