London Congestion Charging

The London Congestion Charge is a fee for motorists who travel within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) area of London. The principal aim of the London Congestion Charge - a scheme which was introduced in February 2003 - is to reduce congestion, and raise investment funds for London's transport system.

Who qualifies for a Congestion Charge discount?

To qualify for the Greener Vehicle discount from Congestion Charging, your vehicle must be Euro 5 compliant and produce less than or equal to 100g/km of CO2.

European emission standards

The Euro 5 standard came into force in the UK from 1 January 2011 for the registration and sale of new types of cars. However a number of vehicles registered between September 2009 and 1 January 2011 may also meet the Euro 5 standard, they are known as 'early adopters'. Transport for London's decision will be final in determining if these vehicles are entitled to the discount.

Greener Vehicles

Cars with CO2 emissions of 100g/km or less and which meet the European emission standard “Euro 5” for air quality already qualify for a 100 per cent discount. In effect all cars registered as new with the DVLA on or after 1 January 2011 are deemed to have met the Euro 5 standard (naturally, some cars registered before this date will also meet this required European emission standard).

Applications for the Greener Vehicle discount are open to both GB and non GB registered vehicles that meet the eligibility criteria.

For people driving or considering purchasing a new or current vehicle model can check its CO2 emissions (g/km) and Euro Standard on the Vehicle Certification Agency's website vcacarfueldata.org.uk

How Congestion Charging works

If you drive or park on a public road in the Congestion Charging Zone during certain times of the day, you have to pay the daily Congestion Charge fee; this does not apply if you are exempt from the Congestion Charge, or have registered for a 100% Congestion Charge discount.

Congestion Charging Times

In the main, if you drive in the Congestion Charging Zone between 7.00am and 6.00pm from Monday to Friday, you are liable to pay the daily charge.

Congestion Charging Payment

If you pay before the date you wish to travel or on the day of travel itself, the charge is £10.00; you can also pay before midnight the following charging day, when the charge is £12.00 - this is known as Pay Next Day. This means that if you travelled in the zone on a Friday you have until midnight on the Monday to pay the charge.

If you don't pay the Congestion Charge, a Penalty Charge Notice for £120.00 is sent to the Registered Keeper of the vehicle. As with parking penalties, this is reduced to £60.00 if it's paid within 14 days.

Congestion Charge Exclusions

You do not have to pay the Congestion Charge on:

• Bank holidays and weekends
• All charging days between Christmas Day the 25th December and New Years Day 1st January.

Congestion Charge discount vehicles on Fleet Auto Pay Accounts

It is possible to register multiple cars (or company car fleets) that qualify for a 100% discount on a Transport for London Fleet Auto Pay Congestion Charge Account. The minimum number of cars needed to qualify for a Fleet Auto Pay Account is 6, which can be made up of both discounted and chargeable vehicles. Fleet operators pay the charge for vehicles registered on their account by monthly Direct Debit, which can help greatly reduce the amount of Congestion Charge administration needed.

Congestion Charge Information

If you have any questions about Congestion Charge discounts and exemptions, contact Transport for London directly on 0845 900 1234.