Areas Just Outside the London Congestion Zone
Updated 1 March 2025
The Congestion Charge Zone boundary runs through central London. Many areas are surprisingly close to the zone but outside it — meaning you can drive there without paying. Here are the key areas just beyond the boundary.
South of the river
Vauxhall
Vauxhall sits just south of the CCZ boundary. The zone ends at Vauxhall Bridge Road. Driving to Vauxhall station or the Nine Elms area does not incur a charge — but crossing Vauxhall Bridge into Westminster does.
Elephant & Castle
The Elephant & Castle roundabout sits on or very close to the CCZ boundary. Much of the area south of the roundabout is outside the zone.
Bermondsey
Bermondsey is south of the Thames and outside the CCZ. London Bridge station sits on the boundary — if you’re heading to Bermondsey or Borough Market from the south, you generally do not cross into the zone.
Kennington
Kennington is south of the zone. Driving along Kennington Road southbound does not incur a charge.
North of the river
Islington (Angel)
Angel/Islington sits just north of the CCZ. The zone ends roughly at City Road. Driving to Upper Street or the Angel area does not require crossing the boundary.
Hackney / Shoreditch (parts)
Old Street roundabout marks the northern boundary. Much of Shoreditch north of Old Street is outside the zone.
West
Kensington
Most of Kensington is outside the zone. High Street Kensington, Notting Hill, and Holland Park are all outside the CCZ.
Paddington
Paddington station and the surrounding area are outside the CCZ. The boundary runs along Marylebone Road to the north — Paddington is south of the boundary but west of the zone.
East
Whitechapel
Whitechapel is largely outside the CCZ. The eastern boundary runs through Aldgate, so most of Whitechapel is outside.
Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf, Poplar, and the Docklands area are entirely outside the CCZ — several kilometres east of the zone.
Using the boundary as a free parking strategy
Some drivers park just outside the CCZ and walk or take public transport the remaining distance. Common areas used for this include:
- Vauxhall / Nine Elms (then take the Underground or walk over the bridge)
- Elephant & Castle (close to Southwark and Borough)
- Angel (walk or take the 38 bus)
- Paddington (take the District/Circle line to central stops)
Note: parking restrictions and charges still apply in all these areas — you must check local parking rules.