Congestion charge hits small businesses

The congestion charge is "devastating" small businesses in central London, according to a survey by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

The study, which may have implications for other areas of the UK as they consider the introduction of similar congestion charges, found that about a third of firms said they had considered relocating as a result of the road toll.

And more than four in five respondents were opposed to Ken Livingstone’s proposed increased in the charge from £5 to £8.

FPB chief executive Nick Goulding said, "Our members are telling us loud and clear that congestion charging is having a devastating effect on trade."

However, Transport for London (TfL) has pointed out that the FPB study ignored other factors which had had a greater impact on the London economy.

A spokesman said: "TfL's business surveys showed that companies blamed the general economic downturn and a reduction in tourism as the main cause of their drop in profits."