SOUTH Dorset MP Jim Knight has attacked claims that drivers will have to pay a toll to use Weymouth's relief road.

The MP has sent a letter to residents in Dorchester Road debunking what he calls the 'myths' about the proposed £77 million road.

Top of the list is a suggestion the Government plans to make the road one of the country's first toll routes.

Mr Knight says this will not happen.

He said: "This is something I have encountered on the doorsteps when talking to constituents.

"I don't know how it started but there is no suggestion of people being charged to use the new road."

The Highways Agency said it was unlikely the Government would introduce tolls on a local authority road.

A spokesman said: "Road charging is something the Government is looking into for the future but as yet no decisions have been made.

"The M6 toll road is the only major route which charges drivers and that is run by a private company which is recouping its investment through charges.

"I don't know how this would happen to a local authority road like the one in Weymouth."

Mr Knight has also urged supporters of the road to make a final 'huge effort' to combat objections before a decision about the planning application is made next month.

The MP says environmental and anti-road groups have inundated the Dorset County Council offices with their objections.

He said: "There has been some rather misleading correspondence and comment about the road and I thought it would be helpful if I scotched some of those myths that are developing.

"Environmental groups opposing the relief road have made a huge effort in rousing protestors from around the country to inundate the council with objections.

"Road Block, a London-based group against all road building, have published a link to register objections on their website."

He says it is a myth that local support for the scheme has already been demonstrated.

The MP, who has staked his reputation on bringing the road to Weymouth, also says it is a myth that Dorchester Road will become a cul-de-sac under the plans.

He says the revised plans show there will be a new access road on to and off the road at Upwey.

Mr Knight says many of the objectors are from outside Dorset. He said: "Thousands of letters have also been sent out around the country, to be returned to Dorset County Council, just requiring a signature."

In his letter to residents Mr Knight has included a form allowing people to register their support for the scheme. He has urged residents to fill in the form and send it to the council before the end of January.