PROPOSALS to make the planned £136million Kingskerswell bypass a toll road have been discussed by Devon County Council.

The move to make drivers pay to use the long-awaited road has brought a mixed reception from campaigners.

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders is among those who believe it would put holidaymakers off coming to the resort.

Others say it is better to have a toll road than no road at all.

Following a meeting earlier this year, Devon County Council said it would contact the Department for Transport to explore possible funding alternatives for the road amid concerns the government's transport spending plans could be put on hold.

The alternative was widely taken to mean a private finance initiate, but it has now been confirmed a toll road proposal has also been discussed.

Devon councillor for transport Stuart Hughes has admitted the talks have included the idea of 'user charging'.

Mr Hughes said: "There was discussion of alternative funding options in the context of the Department for Transport's letter to the authorities on funding of major schemes.

"This included an outline discussion on the principles of user charging so that officers can proceed with the Department of Transport to examine funding options."

Councillor Steve Darling, leader of the Liberal Democrat minority on Torbay Council, said paying to get into the Bay would turn away holidaymaker spending power.

He said: "The Kingskerswell bypass is vital for the economy for Torbay.

"However, I fear that a toll road would hit local residents hard, after all Torbay has some of the lowest wages in the country.

"If a toll road was approved it would mean Torbay would be the only holiday resort in the UK where holidaymakers would have to pay before they could get in, and that would be a massive disincentive to come here."

Mr Bye said he would be happy to discuss the issue with Mr Darling in private, as he says he has done with Torbay MP Adrian Sanders and the business community.

Mr Bye said: "We are absolutely committed to plan A, which is to get the maximum amount of money from the Government to build this road.

"That's why our colleagues in Devon are speaking with the Department for Transport.

"I am not going to answer questions about a toll road at this stage.

"The important thing is to make the strongest possible case to the Government for the money for this desperately needed road, without which it is going to make it very difficult to make our economy stronger."

However a Torbay tourism leader says a toll road is better than no road at all.

Len Lindon, chairman of the Torbay Hospitality Association, said: "Without question the industry is in favour of the road but everybody knows we are living in economically straitened times and this is going to have an impact on whether the road is built or not.

"It is quite likely the Government will say we have to find alternatives or borrow the money to be repaid by a toll.

"Personally speaking I would rather a toll road then no road at all.

"Wales and Cornwall have toll roads and as far as I am aware that has not had a significant impact on people using those roads."

Bypass campaigner Ian Handford said: "We said ten years ago that the toll charge was probably the best way forward, and now that private finance initiatives seem to have come to an end, it looks like it is the way to progress.

"I would not have a problem with a toll charge.

"All I say is we have to have that road and it doesn't matter how we get it.

"If I have to pay to get in and out the Bay faster then I would do it and I know half the people would be prepared to do the same thing.

"I know others wouldn't but that would just take the pressure off the road.

"It is unlikely the Government has got the money now so a toll road is the best way forward."