AN ENVIRONMENTAL group wants drivers to foot the bill for travelling on a busy Gwent road.

Traffic congestion has long been a problem on Hardwick Hill on the A48 through Chepstow and locals say it has worsened over the last couple of years, especially at peak times.

But Chepstow Friends of the Earth believes a solution could be found by turning Hardwick Hill into a toll road.

The group suggested a study be undertaken after growing concerns about increasing traffic through the historic town.

Group member Margaret Davis said a toll road could help to ease congestion.

"There are heavy lorries which should not be using our road and commuter traffic from Gloucester," said Mrs Davis, transport campaigner.

"It's always been bad on the hill but now it's got worse."

The group is concerned about air and noise pollution as well as safety problems.

"When you cross the road you take your life into your hands," said Mrs Davis.

But local businesses say a toll road would cause a drop in trade.

Shopkeeper Jacqui Sullivan, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, said: "It would put up a barrier to people coming into Chepstow.

"We are fighting to keep people coming into the town as it is."

Local lawyer Paul Rutter agreed: "It would create more difficulties for people getting into and out of town."

The survey into the effect of a toll road began two years ago by the Welsh Transport Research Centre (WTRC) at the University of Glamorgan.

The results are due to be discussed at a meeting held by Friends of The Earth in October.

The congestion is causing difficulties for residents in the area.

Chris Penrose says he sometimes finds it impossible to turn out of Vauxhall Road, where he lives, on to Hardwick Hill.

Councillor Phyl Hobson described Bulwark corner as the "most dangerous corner in the county". He added: "I'm interested in the idea but I don't see it as a goer. The infrastructure costs are huge."

Stuart Cole, a professor at the WTRC, said the costs cwould be about £500,000. There is no indication of how much drivers might be charged if a toll road was introduced.

Monmouthshire County Council recently declared Hardwick Hill an Air Quality Management Zone because of the level of traffic.