Congestion charge is back...and more so

16 May 2020 | David Young

The ULEZ and Congestion Charge to be reintroduced to help prevent roads from becoming congested and polluted. The objective is to re-open London's economy in a safe and sustainable way.

Congestion charge is back...and more so

The London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) will be reintroduced from Monday 18 May as Transport for London phases out emergency coronavirus measures.

In addition, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) have announced plans to transform parts of central London into one of the largest car-free zones in any capital city in the world. This is necessary to enable safe social distancing on public transport in London as lockdown restrictions are eased, and will help support increased walking and cycling and improve the city's air quality.

Changes will be monitored and form part of a wider review of the Congestion Charge as agreed with the Government as part of the TfL funding deal. Proposals include:

  • Increasing the Congestion Charge to £15
  • Extending hours of operation to 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, from 22 June.
  • Londoners are asked to walk or cycle for journeys from mainline rail stations rather than use the Tube.

This it is hoped these moves will encourage Londoners not to make unnecessary car journeys and is expected to reduce journeys within the Congestion Charge zone by a third as well as significantly reducing air pollution in central London compared to pre-Covid levels and help tackle the climate emergency.

See the announcement from Mayor of London and London Assembly