What is a traffic congestion charge?
What is a traffic congestion charge? Cordon area congestion pricing is a fee or tax paid by users to enter a restricted area, usually within a city center, as part of a demand management strategy to relieve traffic congestion within that area.
How do I know if I owe a Congestion Charge?
Using the congestion charge checker is as easy as entering your number plate. This will tell you whether or not you need to pay the charge.
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.
Do electric cars pay Congestion Charge after 2025?
In December 2025, TfL will stop the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which allows EVs to be exempt from the Congestion Charge. Unless changes are made before 2025, all EVs will have to pay the Congestion Charge to access the London Congestion Charge zone during their charging hours.