Confused about the London Congestion Charge??

London Congestion Charge

The London Congestion Charge is a daily charge payable by motorists travelling into or within the London Congestion Charge Zone. The main objectives of the Congestion Charge are to reduce traffic congestion and to raise funds for investment in London's transport system. The Zone came into operation in Central London in 2003.   

The system is run on an automatic basis using CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. A network of cameras read vehicle number plates as you:

The cameras photograph the car's registration number and register it for payment prior to midnight the day of entry.

Entry

There are no barriers or toll booths on the boundary to the Zone and you don't have to show any tickets or passes. Traffic signs and road markings show when you are entering or leaving the Congestion Charge Zone.

Roads entering the Zone show:	Roads leaving the Zone show:

Roads within the Zone often show red C road markings near the entry to the Zone and signs remind you of the presence of the cameras.

    

Note: Payment of the charge allows you to drive into, within and out of the Charging Zone as often as you wish in any one day. No charge is made if your car is parked for a full day within the Congestion Zone without being moved.

The Zone's cameras recognise both British and European number plates.

Some vehicles may enter the Zone without paying the Congestion Charge including: vehicles using alternative fuel, electric or hybrid  vehicles and vehicles with nine or more seats. To qualify, such vehicles must first be registered with Transport for London.

Cars that emit 100g/km or less of CO2 and meet the Euro 5 standard for air quality, as well as plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, qualify for a 100% discount from the Congestion Charge.   To qualify, it is necessary to register the vehicle with Transport for London and pay an annual £10 registration fee.

Important: