FAQs
1. Why are you proposing to set the charge at £15?
We are proposing to set the charge level at £15 to help reduce traffic and congestion in central London and support the aims of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy. The increase in charge level reflects the high value of road space in central London and has been assessed to have a positive impact on traffic in the zone. This would also have a positive impact on air quality and carbon emissions. Road space in central London is tightly constrained and as far as possible, motorised traffic should be disincentivised from entering the CCZ.
High levels of motorised traffic in such a small area have significant negative impacts on those who work, visit and live in central London; increasing costs for businesses, slowing down essential journeys and negatively impacting air quality.
We expect the charge increase will reduce car traffic (measured in total kms driven) in the Congestion Charge zone (CCZ) by around 4% on an average weekday in proposed charging hours (0700-1800), compared to a situation where no changes were made to the pre-pandemic scheme. This is a significant reduction in an area where road space is heavily constrained and demand is high. The reduction in car usage is expected to result in an increase in sustainable travel to the CCZ with around 6,000 new trips made by public transport and a total of 2,000 new walking and cycling trips each weekday.
A smaller price increase would be less effective in reducing traffic. Modelling analysis indicates that a £13 charge would have a lesser impact on traffic in the zone, reducing car traffic (measured in total kms driven) in the Congestion Charge zone by around 1.5%.
While previous assessments have shown that a larger increase could have a more significant impact on traffic, we have proposed a charge level which provides a worthwhile traffic benefit while balancing the impact on individuals and businesses.
2. Why are you proposing to remove the Auto Pay and Fleet Auto Pay discounts?
Auto Pay and Fleet Auto Pay were originally introduced to help make the process of paying the Congestion Charge simpler and to remove the risk of incurring a Penalty Charge Notice for non-payment. To encourage people to sign up to this form of payment, a £1 discount was given. This has been very successful, with more than three quarters of customers now paying via Auto Pay* and we are therefore proposing to remove the incentive. Removing the discount reinforces that access to road space in central London should not be discounted for those who are liable to pay the full charge.
*Based on CC charge payment activity for January-May 2021, on average around 76% of customers paid via Auto Pay (Source: TfL).
3. Why are you proposing to increase the next day charge (up to three days after travel) to £17.50?
The option for deferred payment provides customers with an opportunity to pay the Congestion Charge at a slightly higher rate in the three days following their day of travel before they are issued with a penalty charge notice (PCN) for non-payment. Deferred payment allows drivers to avoid a PCN if they forget to pay on their day of travel but remember to pay shortly after their trip.
It is proposed that the deferred payment charge level is increased to £17.50 and that the deadline for making the payment is three days after the day of travel. Failure to pay after that deadline will result in a PCN being issued for non-payment in the usual way. This proposal provides drivers with additional time to pay the charge and the proposed increase is in line with the previous difference between the on the day charge and pay next day charge (£2.50 difference with payment due by midnight the day after travel).
4. What are the proposed operating hours and days for the Congestion Charge?
We are proposing that the Congestion Charge operates on weekdays from 07:00-18:00 and on weekends and Bank Holidays from 12:00-18:00 from 28 February 2022.
5. Why are you proposing to introduce the Congestion Charge at weekends?
The central aim of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) is for 80% of all trips in London to be made on foot, cycle or public transport by 2041. The strategy sets out the fundamental importance of efficient movement of traffic in central London to support more reliable bus journeys, efficient freight trips and higher levels of walking and cycling. This is just as important at weekends. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, car traffic (including private hire vehicles) was higher on Saturdays and Sundays than on an average weekday. Car and PHV traffic also made up over 70% of traffic in the Congestion Charging zone at the weekend, compared to 50% in the week.
We are proposing, from 28 February 2022, weekend charging hours from 12:00-18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays when traffic is at its highest.
Although entries to the zone have been higher on Saturday and Sunday compared to an average weekday, overall traffic levels are lower on weekend mornings. Given the different types of journey and when people make them at the weekends compared to weekdays, we are proposing shorter hours at the weekend which will help to mitigate the impact on some individuals, while tackling traffic and congestion during the busiest part of the day.
Shorter hours of operation at the weekend could help to support trips that have a positive impact on London’s weekend economy. Starting the hours later may also account for later availability of public transport on the weekend.
A £15 charge between 12:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays is expected to reduce car traffic (measured in total km driven) in newly charged hours by around 15%, compared to a situation where no changes were made to the pre-pandemic scheme. As a result, sustainable travel to the CCZ is expected to increase. It is estimated that there will be around 8,000 new public transport trips and a total of 3,000 new walking and cycling trips each day on the weekend.
6. Why aren’t you extending weekday charging hours?
We are proposing that the Congestion Charge will operate on weekdays from 07:00-18:00, the same weekday charging hours as the pre pandemic scheme.
When determining the right time to end the Congestion Charge operating hours on weekdays, we have considered the changing and uncertain nature of weekday travel patterns, the impact on the evening economy in central London and on those who need to carry large or heavy loads to participate in it, or drive in for shift work.
It is also recognised that there may be cumulative impacts of the proposed package of changes which could impact overall weekday traffic levels. A higher charge level during the week (and removal of the Auto Pay discount) will result in some mode shift. Charging at weekends will also influence mode choice for a new cohort of drivers, which could extend benefits to journeys made on other days.
7. Would the Congestion Charge apply every day of the year under these proposals?
It is proposed that the charging periods would operate Monday to Friday from 07:00-18:00, with weekend and Bank Holiday charging hours proposed as 12:00-18:00, effective from 28 February 2022. It is proposed that all days are charged except the period from Christmas Day to the New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive).
8. Do you have any evidence to show that changes to the price and hours of the Congestion Charge will significantly change people’s behaviour?
We have assessed a number of potential changes to the Congestion Charge for their effectiveness in achieving its primary objective of traffic reduction in support of the policies and proposals of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy. Our modelling indicates a £15 charge would be expected to reduce car traffic (measured in total car kms driven) in the Congestion Charge zone by around 4% on an average weekday in proposed charging hours, and by around 15% in charged hours at the weekend, compared to a situation where no changes were made to the pre-pandemic scheme.
9. What changes are proposed to reimbursement arrangements? And who will be eligible?
Pre-pandemic, reimbursements were available for NHS staff and NHS patients in respect of certain journeys. The eligibility criteria of the NHS staff and the NHS patients’ reimbursement rules were expanded, and new arrangements introduced for care home workers, local authority and charity workers or volunteers providing certain services as part of the temporary measures introduced in response to the transport challenges created by the pandemic.
The reimbursement arrangements introduced as part of the temporary changes will be updated to ensure they are available during pandemic and epidemics in Greater London, recognising the positive impacts they had for those in response roles and vulnerable people they support. The extension of the NHS staff reimbursement will also be retained.
10. Who has been involved in the development of these proposals?
As outlined in proposal 20 of the MTS, TfL keeps Road User Charging Schemes, including the Congestion Charge, under review to ensure their effectiveness in delivering the strategy. Following analysis of traffic levels in the CCZ, TfL developed and assessed a number of potential changes to the Congestion Charge and analysed their effectiveness in achieving the primary objective of traffic reduction and delivering the policies and proposals of the MTS.
Independent consultants carried out an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) on the proposals. These included workshops with stakeholders on the themes of equality, environment, health and business. Over 100 stakeholders were invited to the workshops. Feedback from these stakeholders has informed the findings of the IIA, which, in turn, has influenced the final proposals. A full list of groups that participated in the workshops can be found in the IIA report.
Stakeholders and the public are invited to share their views through this public consultation. All views will be considered as part of the consultation process, and we will produce a summary of the issues and our response to these in our consultation report which will be considered by the Mayor before a decision is taken on whether to implement the proposals as consulted on, with modifications or not to implement the proposals.
11. When would the proposed changes be introduced?
Subject to the consultation and if confirmed by the Mayor, the proposed changes would come into immediate effect the day after a decision is made for them to be implemented, expected to be later this year. The exception would be the introduction of new charging days and hours, which involve changes to signage and technology systems. The changes to days and hours would come into effect on 28 February 2022.
12. What about those who cannot walk, cycle or use public transport?
Under 5% of trips with a destination in central London during charging hours are made by car (as the main mode). For those who need to drive in central London during charging hours, and qualify for a Blue Badge discount, the 100% discount for the Congestion Charge will remain in place. This means those who do need to travel into the zone during charging hours can still do so without incurring the charge. Blue Badge holders can nominate up to two vehicles per day to receive a 100% discount, even if they do not own or drive their own vehicle.
Dial-a-ride services are also available for people who have a permanent or long-term disability that means they are unable to use public transport, while the London Taxicard scheme also provides subsidised door-to-door journeys for London residents who have serious mobility or visual impairments. Taxis (black cabs) will remain exempt from the charge. Designated wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles being used to fulfil a booking will also remain exempt from the charge.
13. Are there any proposed changes to the Residents’ discount?
It is proposed that the 90% residents’ discount would again be available to all eligible residents of the Congestion Charging Zone. This change would be introduced from the day after the decision to proceed with the changes is made.
14. Are there any proposed changes to the Blue Badge discount?
The Blue Badge discount for the Congestion Charge is unaffected.
Our website has full details of all discounts and exemptions tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
15. Are there any proposed changes to the Cleaner Vehicle discount?
The Cleaner Vehicle discount for the Congestion Charge is unaffected.
Our website has full details of all discounts and exemptions tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
16. Do emergency services pay the Congestion Charge for their vehicles?
Emergency service vehicles will remain exempt from the Congestion Charge.
Our website has full details of all discounts and exemptions tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
17. I use a motorbike to travel to central London, will I have to pay?
Two wheeled motorbikes (including sidecars) and mopeds are currently exempt and will remain so under these proposals.
Our website has full details of all discounts and exemptions tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
18. How much additional money will the proposals raise?
The net operating surplus for the new proposals (the difference between the income raised and the costs of operating the scheme) is expected to be around £60-£80m per year. All of the revenue raised from the Congestion Charge is reinvested to improve our services and deliver the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
19. What does this mean for the temporary changes to the Congestion Charge implemented in June 2020?
To address the transport challenges arising from the pandemic, support the Mayor’s Streetspace plan and make sure the road network works efficiently for essential traffic including buses, a package of temporary changes to the Congestion Charge came into effect on 22 June 2020. The Mayor has committed TfL to keeping these temporary changes under review having regard to the transport challenges created by the pandemic. Review of the temporary changes is intended to take account of important milestones in the response to the pandemic or significant changes in circumstances.
Following the Government’s announcement of the progression to Step 4 of the ‘Roadmap out of lockdown’ on 19 July, we reviewed the transport challenges arising from the pandemic and identified that they are likely to persist beyond Step 4.
The temporary changes remain a necessary response to these persistent challenges. They will remain in place and will continue to be kept under review. If the temporary changes are still in place at the time of the proposed implementation of the proposed changes currently being consulted on, they will be replaced by those proposals if the decision is made to introduce them.
This would mean a temporary change may become permanent, be modified or be withdrawn. The package of proposed changes is being put forward for the reasons set out in the supplementary information rather than in response to the pandemic.
20. Where can I find out more about the current congestion charge, where it operates and how to pay it?
Full details are available on our website tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge
21. What does this mean for the Ultra Low Emission Zone?
The existing central Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is unaffected by the proposed changes to the Congestion Charge, aside from proposed changes to the reimbursement criteria for NHS patients, which are, and will continue to be, common to both schemes. The NHS patient reimbursement criteria for both schemes will be modified to refer to those who are vulnerable to risk of infection, rather than specifically at risk of coronavirus.
Full details about ULEZ, including its forthcoming expansion in October 2021, are available on our website tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone
Full details about the reimbursement schemes for ULEZ and the Congestion Charge are available here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/reimbursements-of-the-congestion-charge-and-ulez-charge#:~:text=work%2C%20are%20included.-,NHS%20patients,for%20a%20temporary%20time%20period.
22. What does this mean for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?
The existing Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is unaffected by the proposed changes to the Congestion Charge. Full details on the LEZ are available on our website tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/low-emission-zone
23. Are you proposing to introduce another charge for people driving across the Greater London boundary into London?
TfL is undertaking a feasibility study into a potential Greater London Boundary Charge for non-residents, including an initial exercise to identify the impact of options on traffic, emissions, health, equality and the economy, including local businesses. The findings of the study are expected later in the year. There are no current proposals to introduce such a scheme.
