Particle.news
Download on the App Store

London Raises Congestion Charge to £18 as EVs Lose Full Exemption

TfL says the change maintains the scheme’s effectiveness by curbing an expected rise in vehicles entering central London.

Overview

  • From 2 January 2026 the daily fee rises from £15 to £18, with payment after travel costing £21 if made within three days.
  • Pure electric cars now pay £13.50 via a 25% Cleaner Vehicle Discount, and electric vans and HGVs get 50% off when registered on Auto Pay.
  • Existing residents keep a 90% discount, while new applicants from 1 March 2027 qualify for it only if they drive an electric vehicle.
  • TfL attributes the reforms to growing traffic pressures, estimating they will prevent about 2,200 additional vehicles on a typical weekday.
  • National measures progress in early 2026, including enhanced theory-test first aid questions, an initial GOV.UK digital driving licence rollout, Fuel Finder price tools described as on track, and a ZEV mandate rising to 33% of new car sales by year-end.