'It's purely a money-making exercise' - motorists divided over plan to charge drivers to cross three Tyne bridges

Three North East councils have revealed dramatic plans to tackle air pollution.

Proposals drawn up by councils in Newcastle , North Tyneside and Gateshead could see some cars charged to enter the city centre or tolls imposed on the region's famous bridges.

ChronicleLive readers have been reacting to the long-awaited announcement - and it's fair to say the reception has been mixed.

In a poll run on Monday's stories, which can also be found below, readers voted on which option they preferred. The toll idea drew 52% of the votes (478 votes in total) and the clean air zone idea attracted 444 votes, which was 48% of the total.

The three councils were tasked by the Government to draw up plans to reduce carbon emissions after a number of key routes in the region were found to breach air quality laws.

One proposal is for a clear air zone which would see high-polluting vehicles charged to enter the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead, Gosforth and also down part of the Coast Road.

Precise figures are yet to be drawn up but in other parts of the country anyone driving a diesel car made before 2015 is charged £12.50 a day to enter the zone.

The second proposal would see a toll - along the lines of the £1.70 fee for using the Tyne Tunnel - imposed on the Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and High Level Bridge.

One reader, Mark Sadler, commented on Facebook: "It's got nothing to with emissions and everything to do with making up the shortfall that they aren't receiving from the Government. It's purely a money-making exercise.

"If it was to reduce pollution then there would be a no car zone in the city centre but that would mean lost revenue in the city centre car parks."

Another, Chris J Knaggs, said he was sympathetic of the council's efforts but concluded "blanket charges are not the answer".

He posted: "Something needs to be done about pollution, that's just a fact.

"There are an awful lot of pointless journeys made every day, lazy people driving kids to school when it's in walking distance, driving to work when you live close enough to spit there.

"The problem with these types of charges is that they don't just hit those people and they will invariably further damage an already failing high street."

But environmental campaigner Alistair Ford offered a defence of the plans.

Arguing the cost of motoring has been relatively cheap for decades, he said a move has to be made towards public transport.

He posted: "Since 1980, the cost of motoring has dropped 30% whilst the cost of public transport has gone up 65%.

"Is it any wonder so many people now drive, traffic congestion is so bad, and air pollution is illegal?

"It's not a tax, it's a charge if you're contributing to air pollution. If you travel by a different mode of transport or in a cleaner vehicle you don't pay it."

Residents, workers, students, and businesses will be able to take part in a public consultation which will run from March 6 to May 17. Details on how to take part have not yet been confirmed.

Whatever measures the councils finally decide to introduce will also have to be approved by DEFRA and must be introduced quickly enough to meet the Government's 2021 deadline to reduce emissions levels.