Was The Congestion Charge In London Extended In 2021?

The Congestion Zone Charge has been reverted back to normal scheme times although will now also include weekends. The zone was extended on 22 June 2021 to cover a similar area used in the ULEZ.

Where Is The Congestion Charge Zone?

The congestion zone charge area will now follow suit with the ULEZ, and will now run from North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). You can see whether your postcode falls under the congestion charge zone via the Transport of London's postcode checker.

What Exemptions Are There For The Congestion Zone Charge?

There are a few exemptions for certain vehicles & individuals. These include: If you own an electric vehicle with zero emissions, you would not have to pay a charge. If you are a Blue Badge Holder, you would not have to pay a congestion charge if you register your vehicle with Transport of London. Other vehicles include breakdown recovery vehicles, motorcycles & vehicles with more than 9 seats. View further vehicles exceptions here.

How Can I Pay My Congestion Charge In London?

The congestion charge in London should be paid the same day, at a rate of £15, otherwise for an additional £3.50, you can pay the next day. You can pay online here.

What Do I Do If I Have A Highly Polluting Petrol & Diesel Car?

If your vehicle does not meet low emissions standards and poses a repeated issue of paying a daily congestion zone charge in London, you can remove your car as a better option. Our team at Scrap Local can provide a reliable & convenient scrap car removal service across London, with our network of car breakers who buy scrap cars, at the best possible price, on hand to help you find vehicle recycling easy. Get a free, complete scrap car quote today!

Updates To London's Congestion Charge Zone

With the recent changes to London’s City Congestion Charge Zone, we break down the recent updates, where the zone is located, affected vehicles, eligibility for exemptions and the possible implications of penalties for not paying the fines.

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Clean Air Zone Live Since 2021-10-01 00:00:00

Congestion Charge Vehicle Checker

Most petrol and diesel vehicles must pay the daily congestion charge in London during its hours of operation:

Petrol and diesel cars, vans, and 4x4s are charged £15 daily.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are currently exempt under the Cleaner Vehicle Discount. (Ends on 25th December 2025).
Plug-in hybrids are no longer eligible for exemption since October 2021.
Historic, military and specialist vehicles may qualify for exemption.

London Congestion Charge Map

The London Congestion Charge Zone is limited to central London and covers a much smaller area than the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Unlike the ULEZ, which extends to (but does not include) the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads, the Congestion Charge Zone has not been expanded and still applies only to specific areas such as Westminster, the City of London, and parts of Southwark, Lambeth and Camden.

Many drivers confuse the two zones, but it’s important to note that ULEZ and Congestion Charge operate separately with different boundaries, vehicle criteria, and charges.

To find out if your journey, vehicle, or postcode falls within the Congestion Charge Zone, use the official TfL postcode checker or vehicle checker tool before travelling.

London Congestion Charges Exemptions

You may be exempt or eligible for a discount if:

Your vehicle is fully electric or hydrogen-powered (exempt until 25th December 2025).
You’re a Blue Badge holder with a registered vehicle.
You’re driving a registered taxi (TPH), emergency service vehicle or recovery truck.
Your vehicle qualifies under the Historic Vehicle category (over 40 years old).

London Congestion Zone Charges

£15.00 per day to drive in the zone
Valid for all day travel within charging hours:
- 7 am–6 pm weekdays
- 12 pm–6 pm weekends and bank holidays
Auto Pay available for easier management
£17.50 if paid the next day
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN): £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days

Grants And Funding In The London Congestion Zone

While the Congestion Charge doesn’t have direct grants, London residents and businesses may have access to scrappage schemes or funding through the ULEZ scheme.

These schemes support:

Switching to electric vehicles
Small businesses and charities upgrading their fleets
Low-income residents are replacing non-compliant vehicles

Car To Scrap In London? Get A Quote!

The introduction of a permanent congestion charge zone, which has been extended to include weekends, has led many motorists to question whether it is viable to continue using their high emission petrol or diesel vehicles in London.

Thankfully, Scrap Local’s award-winning vehicle recycling team are on hand to assist if you need to remove your car in London. Our scrap car collection agents across London provide a convenient, reliable and effective car recycling service.

To receive one of the best prices for your scrap car or salvage vehicle in London, simply fill in our form to receive a free and complete quote!

By checking your postcode, your vehicle and paying the initial congestion charge if eligible, you can remove any unnecessary legal implications.

Free collection
Same-day payment
Top prices for scrap and salvage vehicles

Question's On The London Congestion Zone Charges

Current exemptions include:
- Electric vehicles (until Dec 2025)
- Blue Badge holders
- Registered taxis, NHS and breakdown vehicles
- Motorcycles and vehicles with 9+ seats
You must register most exemptions with TfL.
If your vehicle isn’t compliant and the daily costs are adding up, scrapping it could be the most cost-effective option.

Scrap Local helps you:
- Avoid CCZ penalties
- Remove your car quickly and legally
- Get paid fast
Get a free, complete scrap car quote today!

Scrap my car in London!

Updates To London's Congestion Charge Zone​