What is the London Congestion Charge? In a bid to tackle the detrimental effects of carbon emissions caused by unethical vehicles, the London Congestion Charge was established in 2003. But what exactly is this scheme and how will it affect your travels and our chauffeurs?
In this article, we will discuss:
1. What is the London Congestion Charge?
2. What are the London Congestion Charge zones?
3. What are the London Congestion Charge times?
4. How much is the London Congestion Charge?
5. Are there any London Congestion Charge exemptions?
6. And how to pay the London Congestion Charge
What Is the London Congestion Charge?
The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee if you drive within a specific zone. You may also be required to pay the ULEZ charge if your vehicle does not meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone standards.
The purpose of both the Congestion and ULEZ Charges are to reduce the amount of traffic in city streets to support the environment. For example:
– Reducing poor air quality
– Improving noise pollution
– Lowering carbon emissions
– Promoting sustainable vehicles
– Raising transport investment funds
What Are the London Congestion Charge Zones?
The Congestion Charge zones extend across Central London, particularly main roads. Such areas include:
– Barbican
– Borough
– Bloomsbury
– Charing Cross
– (The) City
– Clerkenwell
– Covent Garden
– Euston
– Finsbury
– Green Park
– Holborn
– Lambeth
– Marylebone
– Mayfair
– Newington
– Soho
– Southwark
– St. James’s
– St. James’s Park
– St. Pancras
– Waterloo
– Westminster
To discover whether your route is affected by the Congestion Charge, check a street name, postcode or landmark using Transport for London.
What Are the London Congestion Charge Times?
The Congestion Charge times are from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm Saturday to Sunday, including bank holidays. However, there is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
How Much Is the London Congestion Charge?
There is a daily charge of £15 when you drive within a Congestion Charge zone.
By law, you must pay the fee within 28 days. The late payments penalty charge is £180 or £90 if paid within 14 days. There will also be a charge certificate of £270.
If you do not pay the charge, you will receive a formal notification known as a PCN. It will include an image of your vehicle in the Congestion Charge zone and a record that you have not yet paid. Refusing to pay these charges will result in law enforcement.
Are There Any London Congestion Charge Exemptions?
Reimbursements are available for:
– NHS staff
– Patients
– Local authorities
– Charity employee or volunteers
– Care home workers
Whereas, discounts are available for:
– Residents
– Blue badge holders
– Accredited breakdowns
– Vehicles with 9+ seats
– Cleaner vehicles
– Motor tricycles
– Roadside recovery vehicles
Finally, there are exemptions for:
– Two-wheeled motorbikes, sidecars and mopeds
– Emergency service vehicles
– NHS vehicles
– Vehicles for disabilities
– Taxi and private hires
– Buses
– Vehicles registered in European Economic Area member states
– HM Coastguard and Port Authorities
– Operational vehicles
– Armed forces
– Royal Parks Agency
To discover whether you are eligible for a reimbursement, discount or exemption, view the relevant pages on Transport for London.
How to Pay the London Congestion Charge
The easiest way to pay is to set up Auto Pay (for individuals) or Fleet Auto Pay (for businesses).
This will be billed per charging day, using your number plate, and will also include ULEZ charges. You can pay for these charges for up to three previous days, the same or next day, or a custom date.
No reimbursements, discounts or exceptions will be applied unless you create an account and register your vehicle.
Bypass the London Congestion Charge with Our Chauffeur Services
Our fleet is 85% electric and hybrid plug-in, meaning they release fewer emissions and help keep London’s roads green. We also offer supplementary services and amenities, including mineral water and hand sanitiser offered in recycled aluminium bottles.
To further cut down on waste, we utilise safe NFC business cards made from bamboo. This ensures you can keep in contact with your chauffeur during pick-ups without worrying about your data being stolen.
Embrace hassle-free travel with our diligent chauffeurs and support a cleaner London. With us, you can look forward to a luxury journey while bypassing the Congestion and ULEZ Charges. Learn more about our sustainability efforts and book your appointment with Belgraves of London today.