Blair's £1,000 fines

Tony Blair faces fines of up to £1,000 for failing to register his family car for the congestion charge.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister forgot to apply for a residents' discount to the £5 daily toll because 'he has been busy'.

Mr Blair has faced a gruelling schedule in recent weeks, juggling possible war in Iraq and the Irish peace process with his domestic duties.

But the excuse is likely to hold little weight with his old adversary Mayor Ken Livingstone, who oversees the controversial scheme in the capital.

The Blairs are entitled to 90 per cent off the charge as their Downing Street home falls within the toll zone.

Mr Blair has been paying the correct £2.50 weekly charge but the scheme's rules state residents need to register with the transport authority to qualify.

Failure to do so is punishable with fines of up to £80 a day. With the charge now in its fourth week, the total could reach four figures.

No.10 refused to comment on numbers but said: 'If there are fines to pay, then he will, of course, pay them.'

Vauxhall Labour MP Kate Hoey, who opposes the toll, said: 'I'm pleased the Prime Minister has now seen the pain and annoyance suffered by dozens of my constituents every day.'

Mr Blair strongly opposed former GLC leader Mr Livingstone's bid for the mayoralty - warning that he would be a 'disaster' for London.