IT WOULD be one of the most radical changes to transport policy ever seen in Southampton.

But controversial plans to charge drivers on one of the busiest routes into the city have been met with derision from motoring groups, politicians and traders.

One councillor branded the proposals to introduce toll booths on the A3024 Bursledon Road as "madness".

The plans, revealed in yesterday's Daily Echo, are part of an £800m package of road improvements from the South East of England Transport Board.

Toll booths could be installed near the Windhover Round-about, and a dedicated bus lane constructed between Bitterne Railway Station and North-am Bridge.

Despite claims they will unfairly penalise motorists and damage businesses, the proposals, which have been submitted to the Department for Transport, have been welcomed by Southampton City Council.

A council spokesman said they are an "opportunity" that could form part of an integrated policy to combat congestion, but added that introducing tolls was still a long way off.

"Tolling is contained within our own local transport plan, published in July this year. It is a long-term aspiration for the council and will help to address the potential growth area at Hedge End," she said.

"This links in with a possible park-and-ride scheme and could be a combined bus and toll lane."

But Ruth Bridger, from the AA Motoring Trust, said charging motorists to use roads they have already paid for was unfair.

"If they were going to build a new road then make it a toll road, we could accept that, because they are putting in new infrastructure," she said.

"But to toll existing roads, when motorists already pay £42bn a year in road taxes anyway, is not acceptable."

City councillor and Labour group leader June Bridle, who represents the Shol-ing ward, cannot understand how charging motorists on one road will ease congestion.

"Is it April 1? It's that ridiculous," she said. "If it's done in isolation, people would just find other routes and it would have an impact on the entire city.

"If I lived in Hamble Lane or Thornhill Park Road I would be horrified, because I know that's where all the traffic is going to go."

Traders say they rely on passers-by and fear for their businesses if motorists were charged to use the road.

"This company has been here 35 years and it relies on passing trade," said Chris Clutterbuck, a director of Atkinson's Glass, in Bursledon Road.

Josh Willis, managing director of nearby Freeborn Motors, said more than a third of his company's business comes from passing motorists.

"There is a fundamental risk to our trade," he said.