The Congestion Charge FAQ
09 August 2007 The London congestion charge was introduced in 2003 to reduce the number of private cars in the centre of the city. But even if you dont live or drive in the capital, it could be affecting you sooner than you think. Read our essential guide to the charge which could be coming to a town near you. Who has to pay it? Registered owners of any vehicle (except those which are exempt - see below) which enters, leaves or moves around in the congestion charge zone between 7am and 6pm. How does it work? Cameras read the registration plates of every vehicle in the congestion charge zone and check them against a database. There are no toll booths or gates, but the zone is marked by large C signs (see image). How much is the charge? £8 per day if paid by midnight on the day of travel, or £10 if paid by midnight the following charging day. How do you pay? The charge can be paid: By phone Click here for more information on how to pay the congestion charge. What happens if you dont pay the charge? A £100 Penalty Charge Notice is issued. This is halved if paid within 14 days. If the penalty isnt paid within 28 days it rises to £150. If the increased penalty isnt paid further action will be taken, including the possibility of County Court action and a knock on the door from the bailiffs. When is the charge in effect? From Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm. The charge is not in effect at weekends, on public holidays, or on the first three charging days following 26th December. Can the charge be paid in advance? Yes - up to 90 days in advance, or on the day of travel. Which vehicles are exempt? Vehicles driven by disabled people Electric cars receive a 100 per cent discount on the charge, as do hybrids and vehicles which run on liquified petroleum gas (LPG or Autogas), or hydrogen. Broadly, all alternative fuel vehicles are eligible for a discount - but they must meet certain TransportEnergy criteria. Click here for more details. NHS staff and fire-fighters may be able to claim money back on the charge from their employers for certain journeys they take in the congestion charge zone while on duty. Who gets a discount? Residents living within the zone, who get a 90 per cent discount. Where is the congestion charge zone? These are the boundary roads of the congestion charge zone: Pentonville Road Click here to see the full map. Do owners of cars from other countries have to pay? Yes - all the same rules apply to cars from other countries. Will the charge by appearing in other UK cities? Durham has had a £2 congestion charge since 2002, and council bosses in Manchester are pushing ahead with plans to introduce the charge in the city, which could be up to £5. Other cities which are looking at congestion charging include: Birmingham And finally... If you want to avoid the charge, it's no use getting a job at an embassy. All their employees are eligible for the payment. External links People who love the charge: Transport for London People who hate the charge: National Alliance Against Tolls Auto Trader is not responsible for the content of external sites Motorists face massive Congestion Charge rise
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