London congestion charge

The congestion charging scheme was introduced to London in February 2003 and its aim is to deter unnecessary car journeys within central London. All monies raised from Congestion Charging are spent on London's transport facilities.

Members can access more detailed advice on this subject. Click here.

Where and when does it operate?

The congestion charging zone stretches from the city in the East to West Kensington and from Paddington to Vauxhall, a map is available at the bottom of the page. There is a free route through the middle of the zone from Paddington to Vauxhall and the westway is also a free route. Certain vehicles are subject to the Congestion Charge if driven within the charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. You do not have to pay the charge on weekends, English public holidays, designated non-charging days, or between 18:00 and 07:00. Some vehicles or drivers qualify for discounts and exemptions.

The Mayor has announced that he is starting the legal process for removing the congestion charge in the western extension, effectively Kensington and Chelsea. The earliest this will be removed is Spring 2010.

How to pay?

The charge can be paid by cash, cheque or card at a number of different retail outlets including post offices, petrol stations and self service pay points. Alternatively there is an Internet service (www.cclondon.com), telephone service (0845 900 1234) or text message service available.

The charge is £8 if you pay by midnight on the day of travel or £10 if you pay by midnight the following charging day (you can pay the following charging day via the call centre and website only), after which time a penalty charge notice will be issued.

What are the discounts and exemptions?

The following receive a 100% discount from the scheme but have to register vehicles with TfL, some of these registrations attract a charge of £10 per vehicle per annum:

Disabled persons or institutions in receipt of a blue or orange badge
Accredited breakdown vehicles
Electrically propelled vehicles
Vehicles with nine or more seats

Alternative fuel or Bi-Fuel vehicles (a vehicle not exclusively propelled by petrol or diesel) must attain 40% reduction above Euro IV emission standard and be listed in certain funding groups in the Transport Action (Powershift) Register maintained by the Energy Saving Trust

Residents in the charging zone will be eligible to register a private vehicle for a 90% discount from the charge whether they currently own a vehicle or not.

Customer leaflet

We have produced a leaflet which your customers may find useful. It provides an overview of the zone, times of operation and how to pay. The leaflet is available at the bottom of this page under documentation.

Further information

Further information about the London Congestion charge and guidance for all Members concerning penalty charge notices and fleet schemes can be found by clicking on the following links or the additional documentation at the bottom of the page.

Advice for members on the London congestion charge

Transport for London - www.tfl.gov.uk