The Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving within central London during charging hours. Run by Transport for London, it aims to cut traffic and is separate from any emissions-based charge such as the ULEZ.
In one line: The Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving in central London during charging hours to reduce traffic.
How the Congestion Charge works
The Congestion Charge applies in a defined central London zone and is enforced by camera. The fee is payable for driving within the zone during the charging hours shown by Transport for London, with some discounts and exemptions for certain vehicles and residents.
The daily Congestion Charge is 18 GBP from 2 January 2026 (Transport for London) when paid in advance or on the day, rising to 21 GBP if paid up to three days after travel. For example, a tradesperson driving into the zone on three days in a week pays 54 GBP, separate from any ULEZ charge their vehicle may also incur.
Missing payment converts the charge into a penalty charge notice, which is far larger than the daily fee but reduced if paid promptly.
Congestion Charge vs the ULEZ
The Congestion Charge targets traffic volume in a small central zone and applies to almost all vehicles. The ULEZ targets emissions across all of London and only charges vehicles that fail the standard, so the two can both apply at once.
A clean, compliant car still pays the Congestion Charge in the central zone, because that fee is about reducing congestion rather than pollution.
Primary source: Transport for London: Congestion Charge
