The Congestion Charge is a daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone between:
- 07:00-18:00 Monday-Friday
- 12:00-18:00 Saturday-Sunday and bank holidays
There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive).
From 2 January 2026, the Central London Daily Congestion Charge will increase from £15 to £18, if paid on the day of travel or before or £21 if paid within 3 days. EVs will no longer be exempt from the charge.
If you’re normally responsible for these charges, any daily charges from 2 January 2026 will be automatically debited via your Auto Pay account unless the vehicle is exempt or eligible for a discount.
Discounts for EVs
The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount for electric vehicles will be discontinued on Thursday 25 December 2025.
From 2 January 2026, EVs will also be charged the Central London Daily Congestion Charge.
EV drivers will be eligible for a discount on the congestion charge:
- 25% discount for electric cars, which would mean a daily charge of £13.50 instead of £18
- 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles, which would mean a daily charge of £9 instead of £18
- Congestion Charge Residents’ Discount holders will still get a 90% discount and pay the daily charge of £1.80
These discounts only apply if the vehicle is registered on Auto Pay.
How to receive the discounts
If you are responsible for these charges, you’ll need to set up an Auto Pay account.
Once set up, you’ll be automatically billed for the number of chargeable journeys your vehicle makes within the Congestion Charge zone or through Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
If your vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards for the Ultra Low Emission Zone and Low Emission Zone, you’ll also be billed when you drive within the zones.
To set up Auto Pay, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide bank or payment card details
- Provide your vehicle’s registration details
If you’re unsure about your responsibilities, contact your dedicated driver team.
Further information
Find out more information on the changes to the central London Congestion Charge