Doubts over £3 increase in C-charge

New doubts were raised today over plans to raise the congestion charge from £5 to £8 a day.

Bosses at Transport for London say the rise is vital to cut traffic in the city centre by between 17 and 21 per cent. But TfL's own survey shows it has already fallen by 21per cent inside the charging zone.

In a further blow, a Westminster council survey finds businesses fear they will suffer if the zone is extended to cover west London in line with TfL's plans.

Business leaders also say the rise to ?8 will deter people from spending money in the westward extension zone.