London's new congestion charge succeeded in emptying not only the roads but the shops too, according to business leaders.

Retailers have warned that currently 12 per cent fewer people are visiting central London stores compared to last year and that the congestion charge will not help.

Forum Response: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

A spokesman for RICS told ePolitix.com: "A snapshot survey by RICS, conducted on Monday, indicated that in its first day, congestion charging has had little adverse affect on London businesses.

"It appeared that although the charge has put their journey costs up, vital services that keep buildings running, such as lift engineers, facilities repair staff, caterers and cleaners, still kept London's business premises functioning smoothly.

"Also an improvement was noted in traffic noise, air quality and the general environment for walking and cycling.

"On a less positive note, 20 per cent of businesses reported that congestion charging had a negative affect on their staff's journeys into work and 14 per cent reported conditions on tubes, trains and buses were worse.

"The real test of the new system will come when the schools are back after the half term holiday."

Forum Response: Federation of Small Businesses

A spokesman for the FSB told ePolitix.com: "The FSB represents over 7000 businesses in London and is opposed to the charge because it's a tax on business. The important issue now, is making sure the money goes on additional transport provision."Ken Livingstone originally said that the charge should be preceded by improvements in public transport. That has not happened. Now the charge is in place, London's businesses will rightly demand improvements."Transport for London will need to show us what extra tube trains are running, how many extra buses there are, and what additional bus routes the charge has paid for."

Forum Response: British Retail Consortium

Bill Moyes, director general of the BRC, said: "The capital's small retailers provide an extensive range of community services and are essential to the character and diversity of the modern high street. With low margins and increasing economic uncertainty, many small retailers may be unable to bear the burden of the additional costs the charge will bring.

"Whilst it is early days, the impact of the congestion charge may not just be limited to cost. Reducing the numbers of shoppers in central London and displacing congestion problems to the edge of the charging zone and therefore jeopardizing retail in those areas could be long-term effects of the charge.

"A healthy retail sector is essential for a thriving London economy and maintaining London's position as an international shopping capital. Retailers, large and small, play an important role in local communities across the capital, that role could be jeopardised if the mayor's congestion gamble fails and puts the livelihood of many of the capital's excess of 33,000 small retailers at risk."