Transport for London has today (27 May) launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the central London Congestion Charging scheme.
Since its introduction in 2003, there have been a number of changes to the scheme, including to the level of daily charge and penalty charge for non-payment, the boundary of the charging zone, the operating days and hours, payment methods, discounts and exemptions to the charge. In 2019 a 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount was introduced which currently applies to electric vehicles (EVs). This discount is due to end on 25 December 2025.
The consultation proposals are made up of three parts:
- Proposal A: increasing the Congestion Charge from £15 to £18 (and all other related charge levels). TfL says this is so the Charge remains effective in managing traffic and congestion and retains its deterrent effect. The charge was last increased in 2020.
- Proposal B: introducing a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) for EVs with the discount level varying by vehicle type. The current 100% CVD will end on 25 December 2025. TfL is proposing it will be replaced with a new CVD to offer long term targeted support for people and businesses switching to EVs.
- Proposal C: changes to the Residents’ Discount from 1 March 2027 for new applicants to support residents in switching to EVs.
TfL has assessed the proposals in the consultation against a ‘do nothing’ scenario, which would include the end of the current version of the CVD in December. Without TfL’s proposals, it estimates next year alone around 2,200 more vehicles would use the Congestion Charging Zone on an average weekday during charging hours – leading to increased congestion and undermining the current scheme.
The consultation is open until Monday 4 August. Email [email protected] if you would like to feed into the BVRLA’s response.
