A Suffolk council has voted unanimously against proposals to toll part of the A14.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk County Council have both said they would oppose the toll on the major trunk road.

Mid Suffolk District Council has said it is also in opposition to the plans over fears on how it could effect the economy.

Council leader Derrick Haley said: “I think it’s an important issue for everyone in Suffolk. It’s a major national road which goes from Felixstowe to the Midlands and everywhere else in the country.

“The only trunk road that has a toll – the M6 – is hardly ever used at all.

“We are not against the upgrading – we all travel on the road – and it’s disastrous – but why should we have to pay for it?

“We should support our local businesses because they will have to pay the bill. I think it’s important that we support the people in Suffolk who we represent.”

The Government wants to upgrade the A14 in Cambridgeshire and fund the work through tolls.

It is estimated the tolls could cost the Suffolk economy at least £5.7million a year.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has launched its “No Toll Tax on Suffolk” campaign against the proposals.

Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s roads and transport cabinet member has said it would be an “unfair tax” and called on the Government to listen to the views of businesses.

But deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has defended the strategy and said the plans to charge people were a “sign of the times”.

He said it was a “difficult dilemma” but the cost would have to be shared between taxpayers and road users. Motorists are expected to pay between £1 to £3 to use the road.