Overview

• TfL proposes a 20% hike from £15 to £18 per day from January 2, 2026, marking the first increase since 2020.
• Future charge levels would be tied to annual public transport fare rises to maintain the scheme’s deterrent effect.
• Full exemption for electric vehicles would end, replaced by a 25% discount for electric cars and a 50% discount for electric vans and HGVs, with tapering scheduled by March 2030.
• From March 1, 2027, new resident discount applications will require electric vehicle ownership for the 90% reduction, while existing beneficiaries remain unaffected.
• TfL warns that without reforms an extra 2,200 vehicles would enter the zone each weekday, asserting the changes will boost cleaner travel; the Federation of Small Businesses warns of tighter margins; public consultation runs until August 4, 2025.