This page will provide details of any new developments in congestion charging or low emission zone charging, whether this is a change in the charge itself or any changes to how the schemes are operated or enforced.
If you drive, or keep a vehicle in the congestion charge zone or the low emission zone, we would encourage you to visit this page on a regular basis to keep up to date on any changes which might affect you.
The Mayor of London has introduced a new Low Emission Zone for Greater London, enforced by Transport for London.
With effect from 04 February 2008, the Scheme requires any road user who uses or keeps certain types of vehicle on any road within the Low Emission Zone to purchase a charge.
Failure to pay the charge for a relevant vehicle before midnight on the next working day after the date of travel results in a Penalty Charge being incurred.
Unlike the Congestion Charge Scheme in Central London, the Low Emission Zone Scheme does not apply to cars.
With effect from 04 February 2008, it applies to certain types of larger lorries, buses, coaches and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Minibuses below 5 tonnes, large vans, motor caravans, ambulances and similar vehicles below 3.5 tonnes are affected from October 2010.
A charge of £200 per day is payable for a relevant vehicle. Penalties for non-payment are fixed at £1000, discounted to £500 if paid within 14 days.
Unlike the Congestion Charge Scheme, the Low Emission Zone Scheme applies 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, from midnight to midnight and applies to the whole of Greater London, not just within the Congestion Charge Central Zone.
Full details of the Low Emission Zone Scheme can be obtained directly from Transport for London.
Appeals against Low Emission Zone Penalty Charge Notices are to be made to The Parking and Traffic Appeals Service and will be determined by the independent Road User Charging Adjudicators. The procedures for appealing a Low Emission Zone Penalty Charge Notice are the same as for Congestion Charge Penalty Charge Notices.
A number of changes to the Central London Congestion Charge Scheme were implemented by The Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging (Variation No. 3) Order 2006 with effect from 10 December 2007.
These were:
Penalty Charges increased from £100 to £120 (discounted to £60 if paid within 14 days);
Charge Certificate surcharges increased from £150 to £180;
Clamping Charges increased from £65 to £70;
Vehicle Removal Charges increased from £150 to £200;
Storage Charges (per 24 hours) increased from £25 to £40; and
Disposal Charges increased from £60 to £70.
A boundary change was introduced by The Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging (Variation No. 2) Order 2006 at Buckingham Palace Road.
This came into force from Monday 03 December 2007 (Variation Order No. 2).
The Road User Charging Adjudicators' Annual Report for 2006-07 is available to view on this site. Please click here.
The central London Congestion Charging zone was extended westward with effect from 19 February 2007.
To see the Transport for London map of the extended zone which is now in operation, please click here.
Extra day to pay the congestion charge
From Monday 19 June 2006, an additional day has been allowed in order to pay the congestion charge. There are, however, a number of conditions which apply and you should read these carefully.
You can pay the charge at £10 until midnight on the next charging day after you have travelled in the zone.
Charging days are Monday to Friday, and exclude weekends, Bank Holidays and the three working days between Christmas and New Year. This means that if you forget to pay the charge on a Friday at £8, you can pay on Saturday, Sunday or until midnight on the Monday at £10.
Please note, there are only two ways to pay for the previous charging day:
Online: pay by credit or debit card on Transport for London's web site (www.cclondon.com)
Telephone: pay by credit or debit card through the Transport for London Call Centre on 0845 900 1234 which is open from 6am till 12:30am Sunday to Friday and 6am till 10pm Saturday.
You will NOT be able to pay the charge through retail outlets, such as shops or newsagents nor through self service machines, mobile phone (text messaging) or by post.
The charge is £8 if paid by midnight on the day of travel or £10 if paid by midnight the following charging day.