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Congestion Charge

London was the world's first major city to introduce a congestion charge to reduce the flow of traffic into and around the city centre.

Since London's congestion charge was introduced in 2003, the number of cars entering the "congestion zone" has fallen, but be warned that driving in London can still be slow.

The size of London's congestion zone was reduced at the end of 2010, but prices for the remaining zone increased from 4 January 2011.

Where and When the Congestion Charge Applies

The charge zone currently covers the following areas: St. James's, Waterloo, Borough, City of London, Clerkenwell, Holborn, Finsbury, Bloomsbury, Soho, Mayfair, and parts of Marylebone and Lambeth. As you enter the zone, you will see a large letter "C" in a red circle.

The charge applies between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays and over Christmas.

London Congestion Charges and Fines

The charge is £10 if you pay in advance or by midnight on the day of travel, or £12 if you pay by midnight the following charging day. You can pay the following charging day via the call centre and website only. If you're registered for Congestion Charging Auto Pay, you'll be charged £9. If you travel on a Friday you have until midnight on the following Monday to pay.

You must pay the charge to avoid receiving a £60 fine (£120 if not paid within 14 days).

Exemptions and Discounts

People living within the congestion zone receive a 90 per cent discount on the charge, although you must be a registered resident to qualify.

Blue Badge holders qualify for a 100 per cent exemption from the Congestion Charge but you must register with Transport for London and pay £10 before travelling. (Blue Badge is a British parking scheme for disabled drivers).

Disabled drivers in receipt of vehicle excise duty exemption are automatically exempt from the Congestion Charge and do not have to register. Motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles are also exempt.

For full information on London congestion charge discounts and exemptions visit the Congestion Charge website.

How to Pay the Congestion Charge

You can pay online, at newsagents, petrol stations or any shop displaying the "C" sign, by post, by telephone on +44 (0)845 900 1234 and even by text message once you've registered online.