CAR ARTICLE

Guide to London congestion charging

What are Congestion charges?

Launched in February 2003, the Congestion charges have been introduced by London's Mayor to help reduce London's traffic congestion.

How will the Charge work?

The Charges cost £5 per vehicle per day - but if you pay later than 10pm on the day, you will be charged double.

Charging operates from Monday to Friday 7am - 6.30pm and vehicles entering the Charging zone are captured on camera and recorded onto a database.

The Charge must be paid by midnight on day of travel. However, daily, weekly, monthly and annual payments may be made.

You can pay the charge to Transport for London (TFL) online, by phone, via text message, or in person at various outlets or by post.

Are there any discounts or exemptions available?

The following are all exempt:

Motorbikes, mopeds, push-bikes and licensed buses with more than 90 seats.

Why was it introduced?

The facts about London's Congestion - pre-charging:

Congestion in London is the worst in the UK and among the worst in all of Europe, with the equivalent of 25 busy motorway lanes of traffic trying to enter Central London every week day

Most drivers spend half their time in jams travelling at an average speed of less than 10 mph in the centre of the City.

What happens if the Charge isn't paid?

If you do not pay by midnight on the day of travel, you will face an £80 penalty charge notice, reducing to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Failure to pay penalty charge within 28 days increases penalty to £120.
Vehicles with more than three outstanding penalty notices will be clamped/removed.

Where else in the UK is there a Congestion charging scheme?

Definite Plans:
Bath, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Nottingham and York

Under consideration:
Cambridge, Chester, Carlisle, Derby, Isle of Wight, Leicester, Greater Manchester, Milton Keynes, Reading,
Southampton, Stafford and Warwick.