Congestion charging has "overwhelmingly" transformed travel in london, Mayor Ken Livingstone said on the anniversary of the scheme's introduction today.

Mr Livingstone brushed off concerns about the £5 charge's impact on businesses within the zone - and said it has been more succesful than he had hoped.

"Overwhelmingly, this has transformed the experience of travelling and doing business in London," he said.

Since the scheme began charging drivers £5 to enter central London on February 17 last year, it has forced major changes in travel patterns.

The number of cars, vans, and lorries coming into the zone has been reduced by about 30 per cent, with a similar reduction in congestion levels.

Mr Livingstone said buses were now covering as many miles as they did in their 1950s heyday with nearly 30,000 extra bus passengers every day, comapred with pre-charge levels.

There has been wide debate over the impact on business with many smaller firms claiming the scheme had driven cutomers from central London.

A Transport for London phone survey of 700 busineses in and around the charge zone found overall economic factors and seasonal variations had had more influence on trading conditions than the congestion charge.

What they say about congestion charging...

Steve Norris (Conservative)

"The enforcement system is admitted to be a shambles.

"A year on, the freight industry now says the charge has brought no benefits but created a bureaucratic nightmare.

"If this is Livingstone's idea of a better city, it certainly is not mine."

Simon Hughes (Lib Dem)

"Extending C-charge further will be like trying to run before the zone can walk.

"Report after report has highlighted problems with the existing system that need to be ironed out before expansion should even begin to be considered.

"There is clear evidence that an expansion would be costly and not help manage traffic levels in this area of London."

London Chamber of Commerce

"79% of respondents say that their takings are down since the introdcution of the charge, with most blaming the charge directly.

"An alarming 32% of retails are considering relocating their business as a result of the charge.

"The report also highlights the adminstrative burden on business of the charge and suggested amendments to the scheme."

Transport 2000

"There is wide agreement about the transport benefits that the charge has brought.

"The Tube and train networks have been placed under no additional strain.

"Cycling has gone up by a third in central London and the walking environment is much improved."