London congestion charge

The London congestion charge scheme was introduced to London in February 2003 and its aim is to deter unnecessary car journeys within central London.  All monies raised from the scheme are spent on London's transport facilities.

Members can access more detailed advice on this subject. Click here.

When and where does the scheme operate?

Time

The scheme is in operation Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am and 6pm, excluding public holidays and the days between Christmas and New Year.

What are the boundaries of the zone?

The zone stretches from City Road in the East to Park Lane and from Marylebone Road to Elephant and Castle. A map can be seen here: Congestion Charge Map

The zone previously covered west London including Chelsea and Kensington but this was removed as of 4 January 2011.

How does the scheme operate?

The scheme requires payment to register a vehicle registration number on a database for daily travel into or within the public highway within the charging zone, or to be parked on the public highway within the zone. The only exceptions to this are residents parked in resident parking bays in their own local parking zones.

Cameras and mobile units read number plates as vehicles enter, are driven or are parked within the charging zone and match it with the database. Once the number plate is matched, showing that a charge has been paid details of the vehicle are automatically deleted off the database.

Cost

To register on the database costs £10 a day for each vehicle moving into, within or parked in the zone. The charge can be pre-paid 90 days in advance of the relevant charging day. The charge does not attract VAT.

How to pay

The charge can be paid by cash, cheque or debit/credit card at a number of retail outlets including post offices, petrol stations and self service pay points. There is also an internet service (www.cclondon.com), telephone service (0845 900 1234) and text message service available (registration is required first, click the link for more information: text service)

Late payment

The charge is £10, if paid by midnight on the day of travel or £12 if paid by midnight the following charging day (via the telephone service and website only). What are the discounts and exemptions?

Discounts and Exemptions

Exemptions

The following are exempt from the scheme and TfL does not require any registration:

• motorbikes, (and sidecars) mopeds and bicycles
• London licensed black cabs and mini cabs
• emergency service vehicles
• NHS vehicles that are exempt from vehicle excise duty
• vehicles used by disabled people that are exempt from vehicle excise duty
• disabled passenger carrying vehicles (e.g. Dial-A-Ride) that are exempt from vehicle excise duty
• public service vehicles with nine or more seats licensed as a bus

Discounts

The following receive a 100% discount from the scheme but must be registered with TfL at a charge of £10 per vehicle per annum:

• disabled people or institutions in receipt of a blue or orange badge
• accredited breakdown vehicles
• vehicles with nine or more seats
• electrically propelled vehicles
• cars that emit 100g/km or less of CO2 and that meet the Euro 5 standard for air quality. (Any car first registered with the DVLA as new on or after 1 January 2011 will be considered to meet the Euro 5 standard).

The previous alternative fuel or bi-fuel vehicle discount has been discontinued, but if the vehicle was registered before 24 December 2010 it will still qualify for a discount until 24 December 2012.

The 100g/km CO2 discount for cars is due to be reviewed in 2012. In 2012 the Mayor will decide whether or not to consult on reducing the CO2 level to 80g/km.

Applications for these discounts can be made through the TfL website: register for discounts

Further information

Further information about the London Congestion charge and guidance for all Members concerning penalty charge notices and fleet schemes can be found by clicking on the following links or the additional documentation at the bottom of the page.

Advice for members on the London congestion charge

Transport for London - www.tfl.gov.uk

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