London's Conservatives have criticised Ken Livingstone's plans to increase the congestion charge.

The mayor is considering lifting the cost for motorist entering central London from £5 to £8.

But the Capital's Tories said that 75 per cent of residents and 89 per cent of businesses are opposed to the move.

They cited a Transport for London document that said: "Given the extent of the opposition to the proposed increases in the charge, the mayor may wish to consider whether a lower increase in the charge may be more appropriate."

"Mr Livingstone is acting more like a 'tin pot dictator' in a banana republic than a responsible leader who listens to what Londoners want," said Conservative congestion charging spokesman Angie Bray.

"He is making a mockery of democracy by ignoring such massive opposition to the congestion charge increase.

"He is failing Londoners by acting in such a manner."

She added that Livingstone's behaviour was "unacceptable".