HAMPSHIRE businesses, among the most likely to suffer extra costs under new plans for congestion charging in London, are still in the dark about how the scheme will work, the AA has said.

With three weeks to go before the £5 daily charge comes into force, many drivers from Hampshire are still confused.

In the past week, hundreds of motorists have rung the AA for information, with hundreds more logging on to the AA's website to get the low-down.

Paul Watters, the AA's congestion charging expert, at Basingstoke headquarters, said: "Some 200,000 motorists drive into London each day. In three weeks' time they will have to pay £5 a time to do so. Yet many are ill-informed about the scheme, which is the biggest transport development ever to affect drivers in the south.

"Clearly, even more needs to be done by Transport for London to make sure that those affected by the charge are fully au fait with the way it will work. At the moment, there is confusion, and this could mean major problems when the scheme kicks in.

"What's also worrying is the fact that one of the most common questions we are being asked is, 'Can you give me a route which avoids the charging zone?'

"This shows that people are keen to use roads where they don't have to pay, which, as we have said all along, will lead to extra congestion on the ring road.''

The AA said that although most were aware that the charge begins next month, few could pinpoint Monday, February 17 as the actual start date. The AA has promised motorists that it will act as a watchdog over the congestion charging scheme, to ensure that it delivers the promises - like fewer jams, easier journeys and decent public transport - that the mayor has made.