Ken Livingstone's opponents have pledged to overhaul London's congestion charging scheme.

Both of his rivals in the race to be London mayor pledged last night to reject plans to extend the scheme beyond its current boundaries.

Conservative challenger Steve Norris and Liberal Democrat rival Simon Hughes told a debate in Fulham that they were against the Labour mayor's plans to taken the boundaries into Kensington and Chelsea.

Norris said that such a move would be bad for both local residents and business.

He claimed the mayor's figures did not add up as the extra £180 million costs did not justify the revenue it would bring in each year.

"The proposal will also split the community in half so that those on the wrong side of the road will soon have to pay £5 to take their kids to school, drive to work or get to the local shops," he said.

"Extending the congestion charge will cause huge disruption to the surrounding area and will also result in local businesses, restaurants and retailers suffering from the same loss of trade as seen in central London, whether its Peter Jones in Sloane Square or local shops on the wrong side of Earl’s Court Road."

Manifesto proposals

For the Liberal Democrats, Hughes set out what will be his manifesto proposals for the scheme.

He wants to see an earlier end to the charge of 5.00pm instead of 6.30pm to boost theatre and restaurant visits.

Hughes also called for block purchasing and for the levy to be suspended between Christmas and New Year.

"The last 12 months has shown that broadly the congestion-charge zone has been successful in reducing traffic in the capital," he said.

"However, I believe that it has damaged a number of businesses in London, and put off some people from coming into town for late night shopping, romantic dinners, the cinema, concerts or shows.

"An extension into Kensington and Chelsea is short-sighted, short-term and would short change Londoners."

However Green candidate Darren Johnson defended the charge.

"Congestion charging has been a success," he said.

"It is good for Londoners, good for the environment and good for tourists.

"We need to expand congestion charging throughout