The London Congestion Charge is currently £18 per day for most vehicles entering the central London charging zone.

Quick Scoop: Key Facts

  • Standard daily charge: £18 per day from 2 January 2026.
  • Applies to: Most cars and vehicles driving in the central Congestion Charge Zone.
  • EVs no longer free: The former 100% discount for electric vehicles ended late 2025, so EVs now pay the charge too.
  • Auto Pay discounts: If you register for Auto Pay, some sources note reduced daily rates (for example, around £13.50 for cars and £9 for some vans/HGVs) compared with the standard £18, though exact amounts can vary by vehicle type and scheme rules.

When it applies (time window)

  • The charge applies during daytime hours on set days (typically weekdays 07:00–18:00, with slightly different hours at weekends and bank holidays; always check TfL’s latest info before travel).

Why it went up

  • The fee increased from £15 to £18 to help manage traffic, reduce congestion, and reflect rising costs in the transport system.

Quick example

If you drive a normal car into the central zone on a weekday and pay the usual way (not via Auto Pay), you’ll pay £18 for that day ; if you’re on Auto Pay and your vehicle qualifies, you may pay a reduced amount, such as around £13.50 , depending on the latest TfL terms.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.