Congestion Charging
The scheme and how it works
Transport for London (TfL) impose a charge per weekday on most vehicles, being used in Central London.
You pay for the charge for the day and can cross into and out of the zone as often as you want within the day.
How does it work?
If your journey takes you into the charging zone (roughly all roads inside the Inner Ring Road) you must either pre-pay the daily charge, pay it before midnight that day, or, for a small surcharge, pay before midnight the following charging day.
From 19 February 2007 the zone was extended westwards to include Bayswater, Notting Hill, North and South Kensington, High Street Kensington, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Belgravia and Pimlico.
Scheme started:
17 February 2003
Zone operates:
7am to 6:00pm weekdays
Pay by phone:
0845 900 1234
Pay online: www.cclondon.com
To view a map of the congestion charge zone including the western extension (became effective from 19 February 2007), visit the TfL website
The system's controlled using a database of registered car registration numbers and a network of numberplate-reading cameras around and in the zone.
Once the car number plate has been matched against the database the photographic images of the vehicle are automatically wiped off the database.
Any vehicle recorded as having been in the zone during charging hours but with an unpaid account by midnight the following charging day must pay a penalty charge.
What does it cost?
From 4 July 2005 the standard daily charge is £8 if paid in advance or before midnight on the day of travel. The charge increases to £10 if payment is made before midnight on the following charging day.
Also from 4 July 2005 a new discount scheme is introduced for regular users who pay in advance – three charge-free days for a monthly payment and 40 charge-free days for an annual payment of the congestion charge.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made at any time:
- via the call centre 0845 900 1234
- via the congestion charging website www.cclondon.com (link opens a new window)
- at paystations, selected petrol stations and retailers displaying the PayPoint logo
- Note: you can pay on the following charging day via the call centre and website only
You can pay in advance for as many days as you wish and there are payment schemes for fleets as well. Regular users can apply for a Fast Track card.
Who pays?
Those responsible for cars, vans and lorries using the zone.
There are certain exemptions and discounts for example, disabled people who have a blue badge and motorcycles.
Some of those eligible for discounts and exemptions must pre-register even though they pay nothing.
Have the cameras recorded your plate?
If you've driven into the London congestion charge zone there's no way to find out if your car's number plate was recorded or not, other than wait to see if you get a letter/fine through the post.
What if I get a penalty?
If you don't pay the Congestion Charge within the time limit (before midnight the following charging day) you will receive a penalty charge notice of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Congestion charging penalties are civil matters and are in effect debts. If you consider yourself not guilty or a mistake has been made:
- Write immediately to the address given on your penalty, quoting the penalty charge number.
- Explain in detail why you shouldn't pay.
If your explanation is not accepted you can appeal to an independent adjudicator.
Further information
For further information about London congestion charging, the exemptions, and penalties, visit www.cclondon.com
Buy the AA's London Congestion Charging Zone Map
The Congestion Charging Zone is clearly shown in colour. Car parks, rail and Underground stations are highlighted on the approaches to the zone.
Now updated to include the western extension. Charge free routes through the zone are clearly marked too.
£2.50 plus 60p postage
To order your copy, call AA Travel Bookshop on 01256 491524.
Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Diners Club and American Express are accepted.