For the first time, electric vehicle (EV) drivers in central London are now obliged to pay the capital's congestion charge. The Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, announced in November that EVs would no longer be exempt from the fee starting from Friday.
The regular daily congestion charge for non-electrified vehicles has also seen an increase for the first time since 2020 – from £15 to £18. The congestion charge, which was introduced in 2003, applies to a specific area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Previously, pure battery-powered EVs were eligible for a 100% discount, but from Friday this was reduced to 25% for cars, and 50% for vans and lorries. The EV discount will be further reduced from March 4 2030, to 12.5% for cars and 25% for vans and lorries.
Residents living within the zone can receive reductions of up to 90%. However, those who move into the zone after March 1, 2027, will not receive a discount unless they drive an electric vehicle.
This change comes ahead of the so-called manic Monday, the first working Monday of the year, which is expected to be one of the worst days for breakdowns. January 5 was dubbed with this alliterative title by the AA, which predicted a surge in calls for assistance as motorists start using cars that have been idle over the Christmas period.
