What happens if you dont pay Congestion Charge in London?


What happens if you dont pay Congestion Charge in London? If you fail to pay by midnight the day after you drive in the C-Charge zone, you'll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The fine is £160, or £80 if paid within 14 days.


Can I drive my car in London for free?

If you do not pay the Congestion Charge, you will be fined £160. Most drivers with disabilities are exempt from the Congestion Charge, as are motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles. Most vehicles also need to meet the requirements of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or pay a daily £12.50 charge.


How do I avoid paying London congestion charge?

Drive a lower emission car if possible. Electric cars are exempt from the London Congestion Charge. If you're only visiting for the day, consider parking outside the zone and using public transport for the rest of your journey.


How is congestion charge enforced?

With congestion pricing, tolls typically vary by time of day and are collected at highway speeds using electronic toll collection technology. Traffic flows freely and there are no toll booths. Vehicles are equipped with electronic devices called transponders or tags, which are read by overhead antennas.


What happens if you accidentally go into the congestion zone?

The congestion zones themselves work by using cameras to capture the registration plates of those driving there. A fee will be issued to you if you have not pre-paid, and you will be notified of this – so, even if you drove in the zone accidentally, you will find out.


Can I check if I entered the London congestion charge zone?

Using the Congestion Charge Zone Postcode Checker Our Postcode Checker tool, located on this page, is a convenient way to determine whether a specific London postcode falls within the CCZ. Simply enter the postcode of your destination, and the tool will instantly confirm if it lies within the chargeable zone.


Do tourists have to pay congestion charge?

You'll need to pay the London Congestion Charge each day you drive in the Congestion Charge area from 7am until 6pm Monday – Friday (not public holidays). You can pay the London Congestion Charge either online or by phone.


What to do if overcharged by TfL?

If you still feel you've been incorrectly charged, you'll then need to contact TfL to resolve this for you. If you've been charged a maximum fare because you've touched in with one card and touched out with another, we're only able to refund the charge that applied to your Barclays debit card or Barclaycard.


How do I pay my London Congestion Charge rental car?

Payments can be made via phone at 0845 9001234 or online at www.cclondon.com. Enterprise can also add it to your rental agreement for the first and last day of your rental at a charge of £20 per day. Any other days in between need to be paid by the renter.


What happens if you forget to pay congestion charge and ULEZ?

There's a £160 fine if you don't pay the ULEZ penalty charge within three days, and you've got 28 days to pay. It goes down to £80 if you get it to TfL in 14 days. TfL sends you a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you've got a fine.


Are electric cars exempt from Congestion Charge?

While electric vehicles are currently exempt in 2023, from 25 December 2025, the Cleaner Vehicle discount will end. After this date, all electric vehicles – including pure battery electric vehicles – will no longer be exempt, and EV drivers will have to pay the congestion charge.