London Congestion Charge rises to £18
Electric cars and residents within the zone can qualify for significant discounts.
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Drivers entering central London now face a daily Congestion Charge of £18. This represents an increase from the previous rate of £15, with the new charge coming into effect on January 2, 2026. The scheme, which has been in operation for over two decades, aims to reduce traffic and congestion within the capital.
Changes to Electric Vehicle Discounts
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Electric vehicles are no longer exempt from the Congestion Charge. Since January 2, 2026, electric cars registered for Transport for London's (TfL) Auto Pay service qualify for a 25 per cent discount. This reduces the daily charge to £13.50. Previously, a 100 per cent Cleaner Vehicle Discount was available, which ended in December 2025. Electric vans, HGVs, and eligible quadricycles registered for Auto Pay receive a 50 per cent discount, lowering their daily charge to £9. These electric vehicle discounts are scheduled for further reductions from March 4, 2030.
Resident Discounts and Operating Hours
Residents living within the Congestion Charge zone can benefit from a significant 90 per cent discount, reducing the daily cost to £1.80. To qualify, residents must meet TfL's eligibility criteria and register for the discount, which involves an annual £10 registration fee. The Congestion Charge zone covers approximately 21 square kilometres of central London, including areas such as the City of London, Westminster, and Soho. The charge operates between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, the operating hours are from 12pm until 6pm. There is no charge between Christmas Day and the New Year's Day bank holiday inclusive.
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Distinction from ULEZ
It is important to note that the Congestion Charge is a separate scheme from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). While the Congestion Charge focuses on reducing traffic in a central area during specific hours, ULEZ targets vehicle emissions across all London boroughs and operates 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. Drivers travelling into central London may be liable for both charges if their vehicle does not meet ULEZ emissions standards and they enter the Congestion Charge zone during its operating hours.
Questions this report answers
+How much is the London Congestion Charge?
The daily rate for the London Congestion Charge is £18 if paid in advance or on the day of travel. Drivers who pay by midnight on the third day after travelling will be charged £21. This rate increased from £15 on January 2, 2026.
+Do electric cars have to pay the Congestion Charge?
Yes, electric cars are now subject to the Congestion Charge. However, those registered for Auto Pay receive a 25 per cent discount, reducing the daily charge to £13.50. This change followed the end of the Cleaner Vehicle Discount in December 2025.
+Are there any discounts for people living in the Congestion Charge zone?
Yes, residents living within the Congestion Charge zone can qualify for a 90 per cent discount. This reduces the standard daily charge to £1.80. Residents must meet TfL's eligibility requirements and register for the discount, which has an annual £10 fee.
+When does the Congestion Charge operate?
The Congestion Charge operates from 7am to 6pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, the hours are from 12pm to 6pm. There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day inclusive.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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