A cluster of street signs in central London indicating transport regulations. Prominently, there's a white sign with a red circle showing a 18-ton weight limit for vehicles. Below it, a black-and-white sign displays congestion charge timings: “Mon–Fri, Midnight–7am, 9pm–Midnight; Sat, Midnight–7am, 1pm–Midnight; Sun, At any time.” Beside it is a large Transport for London (TfL) sign for the Congestion Charging Central Zone, featuring a red "C" symbol and operational hours “Mon–Fri 7am–6pm.” In the background is another sign reading “Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ)” among trees and city buildings.

Transport for London (TfL) is running a public consultation on proposed changes to the central London Congestion Charging scheme, and wants to hear the voices of individuals who use London’s roads, including people with disabilities.

Scroll down to read the proposed changes, view accessible formats of the information and details on how to participate in the public consultation.

Public consultation deadline: Monday 11th August 2025

What is the London Congestion Charge?

Originally introduced in February 2003, the Congestion Charge aims to manage traffic and congestion in central London by applying a fee during the busiest periods of the day.

Since its inception, TfL has made several adjustments to the scheme, including revisions to the daily and penalty charge levels, changes to the charging zone boundary, updates to operating hours and days, as well as modifications to payment methods, discounts, and exemptions. Notably, in 2019, TfL introduced a 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) for electric vehicles (EVs), which is scheduled to end on 25th December 2025.

The current consultation seeks public feedback on a set of proposals designed to ensure the continued effectiveness of the scheme in reducing congestion and supporting the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy objectives.

These objectives include increasing the share of sustainable modes of transport, reducing car use, and facilitating the efficient movement of essential freight, servicing, and buses.

In addition, the proposals align with broader goals to tackle toxic air pollution, address the climate emergency, and reduce overall traffic congestion. The Mayor’s long-term ambitions include making London a net-zero carbon city by 2030 and meeting the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines as soon as possible.

The proposals under the consultation

  • Proposal A: Charge Increase – TfL is proposing to raise the Congestion Charge from £15 to £18, along with corresponding increases to related charge levels. The last increase took place in 2020. This adjustment is intended to maintain the charge’s deterrent effect and effectiveness in managing congestion.
  • Proposal B: New Cleaner Vehicle Discount – TfL plans to introduce a revised Cleaner Vehicle Discount that would apply variable discount rates depending on the type of electric vehicle. This new structure would replace the current 100% discount expiring on 25th December 2025. The goal is to provide targeted, long-term support for individuals and businesses transitioning to electric vehicles, thereby contributing to carbon reduction and improved air quality.
  • Proposal C: Residents’ Discount Changes – Changes to the Residents’ Discount are also under consideration. From 1st March 2027, new applicants would face updated criteria designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles among London residents.

Additional consultation on charging guidance

TfL, on behalf of the Mayor, is also seeking views on proposed changes to the Mayor’s road user charging guidance. These updates would align the Congestion Charge with the pricing practices used for other TfL services, such as fares, particularly in the context of public consultations and inflation adjustments.

A new procedure is proposed to allow annual increases to the Congestion Charge in line with Tube fare changes—inflation plus one percent or a lower amount. This would not apply to the ULEZ charge, in accordance with the Mayor’s commitment to maintain its current level. Any non-routine increases would still be subject to public consultation.

This measure is intended to prevent a scenario where public transport becomes disproportionately more expensive than driving in central London.

Accessible Information of the public consultation

TfL wants to make sure everyone can take part in its consultations. To help make it accessible to everyone, TfL has provided:

Connecting with London’s deaf community during the consultation

To enhance how TfL consults with London’s deaf community, it offers a British Sign Language (BSL) video of the proposals and survey.

There is also a BSL conversation service, which allows the TfL consultation lead to have a two-way BSL translated discussion with a BSL user. To request a BSL conversation, please contact TfL at haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk and they will be in contact to arrange a convenient time

How to participate in the London Congestion Charge consultation

Members of the public – including people with disabilities – are encouraged to provide their views on the proposed changes. The consultation is open until Monday 11th August 2025, and feedback can be submitted through the following channels:

You can read full details about TfL’s proposals and share your views on the TfL consultation webpage.

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