Police: More set for London

A Conservative government would bring New York-style policing to the capital, Michael Howard has pledged.

As the Opposition unveiled its manifesto for London, the Tory leader said he would put 8,500 extra police on the streets and give the mayor more power over law and order.

The mayor will be given greater powers over the running of the police, with the Metropolitan Police Authority to be scrapped, although the London assembly would be given more powers to hold him to account

The manifesto says: "The example of New York, under Rudi Giuliani, shows how crime can be cut in a major city. But we need more police officers, neighbourhood policing and proper accountability.

"The police in London need to be accountable to local communities who set policing targets to meet local needs. We need to end policing 'by initiative' and ensure that it reflects the unique needs of Londoners."

The wide-ranging manifesto also repeats the Tories opposition to the congestion charge - which is set to rise to £8 from this summer.

"We also oppose the Labour mayor's plans for widening the size of the zone, hiking the daily fee to £8, and extending the charge to motorcyclists," he said.

"London Conservatives will continue to lead the fight against Labour's congestion charge hikes."