The Congestion Charge is a daily fee of £15 for driving a vehicle within the designated Congestion Charge Zone in central London during specific hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, and 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. The charge aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in central London while raising funds for public transport improvements
. Key details include:
- The charge applies to most cars and motor vehicles entering the zone during the specified times.
- Payment can be made online, via app, or phone, and costs £15 if paid in advance or on the same day, rising to £17.50 if paid up to three days later
- Failure to pay results in penalties ranging from £65 to £195, with fines up to £180 for non-payment
- The zone covers central London roughly from Kings Cross in the north to Vauxhall in the south, and from Paddington in the west to Whitechapel in the east, monitored by automatic cameras
- Some vehicles are exempt, including most motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles, and vehicles driven by disabled persons
- The Congestion Charge is distinct from London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which targets vehicle emissions separately
The system was introduced in 2003, inspired by Singapore’s electronic road pricing, to manage traffic flow, reduce pollution, and fund transport infrastructure
