What is the London Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee charged to most motor vehicles entering a designated zone in central London. Introduced in February 2003, it is one of the world’s largest and longest-running urban road pricing schemes, administered by Transport for London (TfL).

What is the Congestion Charge Zone?

The Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) covers approximately 21 square kilometres of central London, roughly bounded by the Inner Ring Road. This includes areas such as the City of London, Westminster, Soho, Mayfair, Holborn, Southwark (north), and parts of Lambeth north of the river.

The zone is marked on the ground by large white ‘C’ signs on roads entering the zone.

How much does it cost?

The current daily charge is £15.00. This rate has been in place since June 2020 (when it was increased from £11.50 during the COVID-19 pandemic) and was made permanent in 2021.

Drivers who register for Auto Pay receive a 15% discount, bringing the daily charge down to £10.50 on Auto Pay days. There is a monthly cap of £700 for frequent users.

When does the Congestion Charge apply?

The charge applies on the following days and times:

• Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
• Bank holidays: No charge applies

The charge does not apply overnight, or on Christmas Day.

How do I pay?

There are two main ways to pay:

1. Daily payment: Pay online at tfl.gov.uk, via the TfL app, by phone, or at participating retailers. The deadline is midnight on the day of travel.
2. Auto Pay: Register your vehicle and payment card. The charge is automatically taken the day after travel. Provides a 15% discount.

What happens if I don’t pay?

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180 is issued for non-payment. This is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. The penalty increases to £270 if not paid within 28 days.

Where exactly is the boundary?

The CCZ boundary follows the Inner Ring Road. On the north, it runs along Marylebone Road and Euston Road. On the east, it follows City Road and Aldgate. On the south, it follows the Embankment and Vauxhall Bridge Road. On the west, it follows Park Lane and Chelsea Bridge Road.

Use our location checker or route checker to find out whether a specific address or journey is inside the zone.