If you drive in central London, you’ve probably heard of the congestion charge. It’s a daily fee that helps cut traffic, lower pollution, and fund better public transport. Knowing when it applies, how to pay, and where you can get a discount can save you money and avoid nasty fines.
The congestion charge is a £15 fee charged on weekdays from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm for vehicles that enter the congestion zone. The zone covers most of the city centre, from the Thames up to the West End and the City. It doesn’t run on weekends, public holidays, or the night after New Year's Eve.
Only certain vehicle types are exempt – electric cars, motorcycles, and some disabled vehicles, for example. Heavy goods vehicles and buses are charged separately under a different scheme.
Paying is simple. You can set up an online account on the Transport for London (TfL) website, use the Pay by Phone app, or buy a daily, weekly or monthly pass. If you forget to pay, TfL will send a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) – usually around £100, plus a handling fee.
To keep costs down, consider these tricks:
Remember to check the TfL map before you head out – the zone’s boundary changes occasionally, and a small mistake can cost you an extra charge.
Do I need to pay if I only pass through on a quick trip? Yes. Even a single pass through the zone triggers the fee.
What about delivery vans? Most vans over 3.5 tonnes fall under the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) rules, which are separate but work in a similar way.
Can I get a refund? Refunds are rare and usually only for technical errors. If you receive a PCN and believe it’s wrong, you can appeal within 28 days.
Understanding the charge helps you plan smarter trips, avoid fines, and even reduce your carbon footprint. Use the tools TfL provides, keep an eye on your calendar, and you’ll never be caught off guard by that £15 fee again.
Major UK driving laws and taxes shift in April 2025. Drivers will deal with stricter test regulations, new EV taxes, and higher road tax. London’s Congestion Charge and cleaner vehicle discounts also see big updates. Digital licences and EV charger compliance standards roll out.
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