The following are exempt from the Congestion Charge altogether, subject to a £10 annual registration fee:
- Disabled drivers with a Blue Badge.
- Cars that emit 75g/km or less of CO2.
- Electric car drivers (and any other zero emissions vehicles)
- Vehicles with nine or more seats.
- Motorised tricycles.
How can I avoid paying the Congestion Charge?
Since 25 October 2021, only zero-emission vehicles – such as EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – have been exempt from the congestion charge. From December 2025, however, even drivers of zero-emission cars will be required to pay.
Will I be charged if I enter congestion area before 7am and leave after 7am?
What time does the Congestion Charge end? The Congestion Charge operates 7am-10pm every day except for Christmas day. That means you can travel through the zone before 7am or after 10pm without paying the charge. The ULEZ may still apply, though.
What vehicles are exempt from Congestion Charge?
Since 25 October 2021, only zero-emission vehicles – such as EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – have been exempt from the Congestion Charge.
How do I know if I am exempt from Congestion Charge?
If you already have an account, sign in to Pay to drive in London to check if a discount or exemption applies to your vehicle – and what charges you would need to pay.
Is Congestion Charge free after 6pm?
The Congestion Charge is a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank Holiday (inclusive).
Do I have to pay Congestion Charge if I don’t drive?
The charges only need to be paid if you drive your vehicle within the zone. Parked vehicles are not subject to any charges. As well as ULEZ and LEZ charges, you may also need to pay the Congestion Charge. The Congestion Charge operates 07:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays.
What happens if you accidentally go into the congestion zone?
They don’t care if you strayed in, because once the the zone, you’ll have to pay and knowing that, you may as well drive around in it where you want.
What are the new Congestion Charge times 2022?
What are the proposed operating hours and days for the Congestion Charge? We are proposing that the Congestion Charge operates on weekdays from 07:00-18:00 and on weekends and Bank Holidays from 12:00-18:00 from 28 February 2022.
How many times can you enter the congestion zone?
You can drive in and out of the congestion zone as many times as you like on the day — you only pay one fee.
How old does a car have to be to be exempt from Congestion Charge?
Historic vehicles
This date moves forward on a 40-year rolling system. For example, when the ULEZ launched in April 2019, vehicles built before 1979 were eligible to apply for historic vehicle tax class. All vehicles that have a historic vehicle tax class will be exempt from the ULEZ.
Which cars will be charged in clean air zone?
Exemptions
- a vehicle that’s ultra low emission.
- a disabled passenger tax class vehicle.
- a disabled tax class vehicle.
- a military vehicle.
- a historic vehicle.
- a vehicle retrofitted with technology accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme ( CVRAS )
- certain types of agricultural vehicles.
Does everyone have to pay Congestion Charge?
If you can prove you live in within the C-Charge zone, you will be entitled to a 90% residents’ discount. The following are exempt from the Congestion Charge altogether, subject to a £10 annual registration fee: Disabled drivers with a Blue Badge.
Do you pay Congestion Charge if you have a Blue Badge?
If you hold a valid Blue Badge, you’re eligible to register for a 100% discount from the Congestion Charge, even if you don’t own a vehicle or drive. If your vehicle has a disabled road fund licence (tax disc) you will receive the 100% discount automatically, with no need to register.
What age cars are exempt from ULEZ?
40 years ago
Classic cars may be exempt from the ULEZ if they fall into the historical vehicle tax class. This generally applies to any vehicle built more than 40 years ago. Be sure to check for your vehicle to see if this exemption applies to you. You may also have to register your vehicle in order to make sure it is not charged.
What days are congestion free?
The Congestion Charge in London applies between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, except between Christmas Day and the New Year’s Day bank holiday.
Is Congestion Charge free for electric?
Zero emission vehicles that meet the criteria are eligible for a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge. The Government offers grants for new plug-in vehicles, currently up to £2,500 for cars, £1,500 for motorcycles, £6,000 for vans, £7,500 for taxis and £16,000 for trucks. Find out about plug-in car grants.
What is the maximum charge on the tube?
Your journey time
If you spend longer than the maximum journey time, you could be charged two maximum fares. A single maximum fare is: up to £8.90 in Zones 1-9. up to £26.00 beyond Zone 9, including on the Heathrow Express.
Is the Congestion Charge a law?
The congestion charge is a daily levy imposed on drivers choosing to drive within central London. It applies between 07:00 and 22:00 seven days a week. The standard charge is £15 per day.
How much is penalty for Congestion Charge?
If your vehicle is involved in a contravention on the red route, you’ll be sent a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £160. You need to pay this within 28 days. If you pay this within 14 or 21 days (it will say on the PCN), the amount will be reduced to £80.
Are they removing Congestion Charge?
London’s ‘temporary’ £15 Congestion Charge is to become permanent, but evening tolls are set to be abolished, under plans revealed today. The C Charge was increased from £11.50 in June 2020 as part of a bailout deal between the government and Transport for London.