Cars could be charged.

Charges for drivers entering Newcastle city centre to help tackle traffic congestion could be back on the agenda.

The idea will be looked at by the city council's new Liberal Democrat rulers in a review of traffic management.

Leaders of the previous Labour regime had rejected congestion charges and said measures such as no-car lanes, priority for buses, more pedestrian zones and park and ride facilities were enough.

But London and Durham have already introduced congestion charges and Newcastle's incoming Lib Dem leader Coun Peter Arnold said they are prepared to look at the idea. He said. "What is clear is that traffic congestion and gridlock are becoming an increasing problem.

"We need a comprehensive traffic management plan. There is a role for the private car, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and taxis. The trick is to get them all working together so people can move around the city easily.

"We are not anti-car. Most of us are car drivers. I'm a car owner but I come to work on the Metro.

"Road charging seems to have worked in Durham by managing traffic in the city centre and in London where it's cut congestion and encouraged people to use public transport."

Meanwhile, Coun Arnold said the Lib Dems aim to green the city by working towards a zero waste policy and tackling litter problems.

Zero waste means recycling rather than burning or burying waste. "There are millions of pounds to be made from the recycling industry," said Coun Arnold.

"There are jobs to be created and business opportunities through collection and recycling services without any need for huge treatment plants."