ESTATE agents working a leading chain claim the mayor of London's decision to extend the congestion charge into west London could be the end of the road for small businesses.

Dominic Agace, executive director of Winkworth, reckons it could be disastrous.

He told the times: "It will increase the costs for many more businesses that are forced to cross the £8 barrier on a daily basis.

"The real impact of the extension will be lasting and will be seen in the longer term."

Alex Thompson, based at the firm's Notting Hill branch, fears it will change the atmosphere of the area.

"Businesses could lose out as many have in the West End," he said. Eight pounds a day plus parking is a lot to pay for the privilege of going shopping or viewing properties. For staff living outside the area needing cars for their jobs estate agents included this is a prohibitive and unfair tax which may force some to relocate or indeed change careers.

"Local businesses may be forced to work longer hours and weekends to accommodate those unwilling to pay.

"They may simply move their operations outside the area."

James Moran, at the agency's South Kensington office fears the small independents who contribute so much to the village atmosphere will suffer. It's a great shame only the bigger corporations will have the economies of scale to survive."

Agents on the edge of the congestion charge area fear the extension of the £8 daily charge will lead to traffic snarl-ups on their patch as motorists re-route to avoid paying the fee.

Chris Wilson, head of sales at Winkworth's Fulham office in Parsons Green, points out: "Parking in the High street is impossible anyway what with draconian measures recently introduced by the council.