Articles

• Proposal A: Increasing the Congestion Charge from £15 to £18

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  CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  The Congestion Charge has been set at £15 since 2020. It is now five years since the last charge level increase, and it is timely to review whether a further increase is necessary in order to maintain the deterrent effect of the charge in the context of wider inflation. We propose to increase the charge to £18 from 2 January 2026, which would be a lower increase than inflation since 2020. For those paying the charge in the three days after travel, the charge would increase from £17.50 to £21.
  
  This increase would help to maintain the traffic management effects of the Congestion Charging scheme in central London, support the other aims of the MTS, and meet the Mayor’s ambitions to improve air quality in London, achieve a net zero carbon city by 2030 and cut congestion in the capital. The increase in charge level reflects the high value of road space in central London and has been assessed and is forecast to have a positive impact on (that is, to reduce) traffic in the CCZ.

  
  

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  The Congestion Charge has been set at £15 since 2020. It is now five years since the last charge level increase, and it is timely to review whether a further increase is necessary in order to maintain the deterrent effect of the charge in the context of wider inflation. We propose to increase the charge to £18 from 2 January 2026, which would be a lower increase than inflation since 2020. For those paying the charge in the three days after travel, the charge would increase from £17.50 to £21.
  
  This increase would help to maintain the traffic management effects of the Congestion Charging scheme in central London, support the other aims of the MTS, and meet the Mayor’s ambitions to improve air quality in London, achieve a net zero carbon city by 2030 and cut congestion in the capital. The increase in charge level reflects the high value of road space in central London and has been assessed and is forecast to have a positive impact on (that is, to reduce) traffic in the CCZ.

  
  

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  Consultation has concluded

• Proposal B: Changes to create a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount

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  CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  The current 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount applies to all electric vehicles and is due to end on 25 December 2025.
  
  The volume of electric vehicles seen in the zone means a continued 100% discount would lead to worsening traffic and congestion. However, in order to continue to support further adoption of electric vehicles we are proposing the introduction of a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
  
  This will provide long-term support for the cleanest vehicles, recognising their contribution to reducing poor air quality and cutting carbon emissions, while ensuring their numbers do not significantly contribute to increased traffic and congestion in the CCZ.
  
  Higher discounts would be available for those vehicle types which, overall, customers may find more difficult to switch to electric and require further support to make the switch.
  
  Two phases of changes are proposed, with discounts halving in 2030 as the eligible vehicle numbers are expected to increase over time.
  
  From 2 January 2026:
  
  

  • 50% discount for electric vans, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay
    
    
  • 25% discount for electric cars registered for Auto Pay

  
  From 4 March 2030:
  
  

  • 25% discount for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay

  • 12.5% discount for electric cars registered for Auto Pay
    
    

  We also propose the discount is applied automatically to vehicles based on Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data. This will be a benefit for eligible customers as it will no longer be necessary to register for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (or pay a registration fee).
  
  We are also proposing that payment of the discounted charge is made by Auto Pay only. This means a vehicle must be registered for an Auto Pay account in order to benefit from the CVD.

  
  

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  The current 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount applies to all electric vehicles and is due to end on 25 December 2025.
  
  The volume of electric vehicles seen in the zone means a continued 100% discount would lead to worsening traffic and congestion. However, in order to continue to support further adoption of electric vehicles we are proposing the introduction of a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
  
  This will provide long-term support for the cleanest vehicles, recognising their contribution to reducing poor air quality and cutting carbon emissions, while ensuring their numbers do not significantly contribute to increased traffic and congestion in the CCZ.
  
  Higher discounts would be available for those vehicle types which, overall, customers may find more difficult to switch to electric and require further support to make the switch.
  
  Two phases of changes are proposed, with discounts halving in 2030 as the eligible vehicle numbers are expected to increase over time.
  
  From 2 January 2026:
  
  

  • 50% discount for electric vans, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay
    
    
  • 25% discount for electric cars registered for Auto Pay

  
  From 4 March 2030:
  
  

  • 25% discount for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay

  • 12.5% discount for electric cars registered for Auto Pay
    
    

  We also propose the discount is applied automatically to vehicles based on Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data. This will be a benefit for eligible customers as it will no longer be necessary to register for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (or pay a registration fee).
  
  We are also proposing that payment of the discounted charge is made by Auto Pay only. This means a vehicle must be registered for an Auto Pay account in order to benefit from the CVD.

  
  

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  Consultation has concluded

• Proposal C: Changes to the Residents' Discount for new applicants

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  CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  Currently, residents of the CCZ receive a 90% discount because of their reduced ability to avoid the charge if they drive during charging hours. A relatively small charge applies because these vehicles contribute to traffic and congestion and to provide an incentive for residents to use more sustainable modes.
  
  

  In the context of the proposed changes to the CVD it is timely to consider potential changes to the Residents’ Discount. As well as aligning with MTS policies on reducing private car use in favour of active, efficient and sustainable modes, our proposal reflects the London Plan approach to promoting car-free residential development in central London.
  
  In order to support the proposed changes to the CVD and the greater availability and uptake of EVs compared to 2003 when the discount was first introduced, we are proposing that eligibility for the 90% Residents’ Discount will be limited to only electric vehicles, starting on 1 March 2027. It is considered appropriate to incentivise those residents who choose to own and operate a vehicle in the CCZ to do so in the cleanest available vehicles.
  
  This would apply to new applicants only. To mitigate the impact on existing residents who may be reliant on their vehicle, no changes are proposed to those living in the zone who are already registered for the Residents’ Discount, or who register by 1 March 2027 when proposed changes are due to come in to effect, provided that the discount’s other eligibility criteria continue to be met and timely renewals are made.
  
  We propose:
  
  

  • For new applicants, the 90% Residents’ Discount would only apply to electric vehicles
    
  • Residents who are already registered would retain the existing 90% discount, including for any new or replacement vehicles, if they continue to meet the discount’s other eligibility criteria and renew their registration each year

  
  

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  Currently, residents of the CCZ receive a 90% discount because of their reduced ability to avoid the charge if they drive during charging hours. A relatively small charge applies because these vehicles contribute to traffic and congestion and to provide an incentive for residents to use more sustainable modes.
  
  

  In the context of the proposed changes to the CVD it is timely to consider potential changes to the Residents’ Discount. As well as aligning with MTS policies on reducing private car use in favour of active, efficient and sustainable modes, our proposal reflects the London Plan approach to promoting car-free residential development in central London.
  
  In order to support the proposed changes to the CVD and the greater availability and uptake of EVs compared to 2003 when the discount was first introduced, we are proposing that eligibility for the 90% Residents’ Discount will be limited to only electric vehicles, starting on 1 March 2027. It is considered appropriate to incentivise those residents who choose to own and operate a vehicle in the CCZ to do so in the cleanest available vehicles.
  
  This would apply to new applicants only. To mitigate the impact on existing residents who may be reliant on their vehicle, no changes are proposed to those living in the zone who are already registered for the Residents’ Discount, or who register by 1 March 2027 when proposed changes are due to come in to effect, provided that the discount’s other eligibility criteria continue to be met and timely renewals are made.
  
  We propose:
  
  

  • For new applicants, the 90% Residents’ Discount would only apply to electric vehicles
    
  • Residents who are already registered would retain the existing 90% discount, including for any new or replacement vehicles, if they continue to meet the discount’s other eligibility criteria and renew their registration each year

  
  

  Close this window and navigate back to the survey page to continue

  Consultation has concluded