What the London Congestion Charge is and who has to pay
The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee you pay to drive a car, van, or motorcycle into central London during charging hours. It is not a toll — you do not pay at a booth. Instead, you pay a fixed amount per day to enter a defined zone in the city centre, whether you drive one mile or ten.
The charge applies to most vehicles entering the Congestion Charge Zone between 07:00 and 22:00, Monday to Friday, and 12:00 to 22:00 on Saturdays. It does not explore on Sundays or public holidays. The zone covers an area roughly bounded by King's Cross to the north, Tower Bridge to the east, Elephant and Castle to the south, and Hyde Park to the west.
You must pay whether you live in London or are visiting. The charge is enforced through automatic number plate recognition cameras that photograph every vehicle entering the zone. If you drive through without paying, you receive a Penalty Charge Notice in the post.
Key Takeaways
- The daily charge is £15 if you pay in advance or on the day of travel, and £17.50 if you pay after the important date, though these amounts can change annually.
- You can pay online at tfl.gov.uk/congestioncharging, by phone, by text, or at retail locations like petrol stations and newsagents.
- Some vehicles are exempt entirely, including electric cars, motorcycles, disabled people's vehicles with a Blue Badge, and certain other categories.
- If you miss the payment important date, you have a grace period before a Penalty Charge Notice is issued, but the fine is significantly higher than the daily charge.
- Residents of the zone can buy a discounted annual permit that costs much less than paying daily, but you must prove your address with a council tax bill or tenancy agreement.
How much the charge costs and when you pay
The daily charge is £15 if you pay before midnight on the day you drive through the zone. If you pay between midnight and 22:00 the following day, the charge rises to £17.50. After that important date, you no longer pay the charge — instead, you receive a Penalty Charge Notice for £130, which can be reduced to £65 if you pay within 14 days.
You can pay online at tfl.gov.uk/congestioncharging using a debit or credit card. You can also pay by phone on 0343 222 2222, by text message to 80247, or in person at a retail location such as a petrol station, supermarket, or newsagent. Payment is when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.
If you drive through the zone regularly, a resident's permit is far cheaper. Residents of postcodes within the zone pay £1,395 per year for an annual permit, which works out to roughly £3.80 per day. You must prove your address with a council tax bill, tenancy agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months.
Which vehicles are exempt from the charge
Electric vehicles registered with the scheme are completely exempt and do not pay at all. This exemption has been in place since the charge began and is designed to encourage low-emission driving. You must register your vehicle's number plate on the TfL website to receive the exemption.
Motorcycles and mopeds do not pay the charge. Vehicles with a valid Blue Badge for disabled people are also exempt, as are vehicles used by licensed taxi drivers and private hire vehicles. Buses, coaches, and certain other commercial vehicles have their own rules — some pay a reduced rate, and some are exempt entirely.
Vehicles registered as historic (generally over 40 years old) are exempt if they meet specific criteria. If you believe your vehicle should be exempt, you can check the full list on the TfL website or contact them directly to register your vehicle.
What happens if you do not pay on time
If you drive through the zone without paying, the automatic cameras record your number plate. You have until 22:00 the following day to pay the charge at the standard rate. If you miss this important date, TfL sends you a Penalty Charge Notice in the post within 28 days, usually to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
The Penalty Charge Notice is for £130. However, if you pay within 14 days of receiving it, the fine is reduced to £65. If you do not pay within 28 days, the amount increases to £195. If you believe the notice was issued in error — for example, because your vehicle was exempt or you did pay — you can appeal within 28 days by providing evidence to TfL.
If you receive multiple Penalty Charge Notices and do not pay them, TfL can pursue the debt through the courts. This can affect your credit record and result in additional legal costs. It is far cheaper to pay the daily charge or appeal if you have grounds to do so.
How to pay and where to pay
The easiest way to pay is online at tfl.gov.uk/congestioncharging. You enter your vehicle's number plate, the date you travelled, and your payment details. Payment is when ready, and you receive a confirmation email. You can pay for the same day, future days, or set up a pre-payment account if you drive through regularly.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call 0343 222 2222 and pay by phone with a debit or credit card. You can also send a text to 80247 with your number plate and the date — TfL sends you a link to complete payment. In person, you can pay at any petrol station, supermarket, or newsagent that displays the Congestion Charge logo.
If you drive through the zone more than a few times a month, setting up a pre-payment account saves time. You load credit onto the account, and payment is deducted automatically each time your number plate is recorded. You can also set up automatic daily charging if you commute through the zone regularly.
Residents and regular drivers: permits and discounts
If you live within the Congestion Charge Zone, you can buy a resident's permit for £1,395 per year. This allows unlimited travel within the zone at any time. To may have access to, you must provide proof of residence such as a council tax bill, tenancy agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months. The permit is linked to your vehicle's number plate.
If you live just outside the zone but drive through it regularly, you may be able to buy a non-resident's permit. These are more expensive than resident permits but still cheaper than paying daily if you travel through the zone several times a week. The cost and availability depend on your postcode, so check the TfL website for your specific area.
Businesses can also buy permits for their vehicles. A business permit costs £1,395 per year for a single vehicle, but you can buy multiple permits at a discount if you have a fleet. Some businesses negotiate with TfL for bulk rates if they have many vehicles entering the zone regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay if I just drive through the zone without stopping?
Yes. The charge applies to any vehicle that enters the zone during charging hours, regardless of whether you stop, park, or just pass through. The cameras record your number plate as you cross the boundary, and you must pay the daily charge.
What if I drive through the zone after 22:00 on a weekday?
You do not pay the charge. Charging hours end at 22:00 Monday to Friday and 22:00 on Saturdays. If you enter the zone after these times, no charge applies. On Sundays and public holidays, the charge does not explore at any time.
Can I pay for multiple days at once?
Yes. You can pay for future days in advance on the TfL website or by phone. Many people who travel through the zone regularly pay for a week or a month at once. This does not lock you in — you pay only for the days you actually use.
What if my vehicle number plate is obscured or misread by the cameras?
If the cameras cannot read your plate clearly, you may not receive a Penalty Charge Notice. However, if you know you drove through the zone, you should pay the charge voluntarily to avoid problems later. If you receive a notice and believe it was issued in error, you can appeal with photographic evidence.
Do visitors to London need to know about the charge before they arrive?
Yes. If you are hiring a car or driving your own vehicle into central London, budget for the daily charge. Many car rental companies warn customers about it, but it is your responsibility to pay. Check whether your destination is within the zone before you drive — the TfL website has an interactive map showing the exact boundaries.