THE London congestion charge is a daily fee payable by drivers that wish to drive through central London. The purpose of the congestion charge zone is to discourage car use and clean up the capital city’s air quality.
Since 19 February 2007, the charging zone was extended to included an area of west London, too.
However, from 04 January 2011, there is a major change to the congestion charge zone, the fees payable, and those cars that receive a 100% discount for the charge zone fee.
The actual changes start from 24 December 2010. On that date the congestion charging zone will reduce, with the abolition to the western extension of the zone.
From 04 January 2011, the fee to drive within the reduced congestion charge zone increases from £8 to £10 per day.
London Congestion Charge Fees
£10 if paid in advance or on the day;
£12 if paid by midnight the charging day after travel;
£9 if registered for Congestion Charging Auto Pay.
How to pay
You can pay the charge up to 90 days in advance in a variety of ways, including online, by phone, by SMS text message and in selected shops. Failure to pay the fee incurs a £120 charge. This reduces to £60 if paid within 14 days.
