TFL has announced that from 2 January 2026, the standard Congestion Charge will rise from £15 to £18 per day if paid on the day or in advance.
If paid after travel (within 3 days), the late rate will rise from £17.50 to £21.00.
The long-standing 100 % exemption for electric vehicles came to end on 25 December 2025. EVs are no longer fully exempt, instead a tiered discount applies if the vehicle is registered on Auto Pay.
A 25 % discount for electric cars means the fee will be £13.50, and a 50 % discount for electric vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and quadricycles means a fee of £9.
Residents’ and other discounts
Existing holders of the 90% Residents’ Discount keep that benefit regardless of vehicle type, if renewed annually. From 1 March 2027, new residents wishing to get the 90% discount must have an electric vehicle.
Other existing discounts, for example, Blue Badge holders and accredited vehicles remain unchanged.
A 100% discount will apply to eligible electric car-club vehicles that are picked up and returned to the same marked bay within the zone.
TfL and the Mayor of London say the charge increase and updated discount structure aim to keep traffic levels down and preserve the Congestion Charge scheme’s effectiveness in reducing congestion, especially important now that electric vehicles are far more common.
Without the changes, TfL estimates over 2,000 extra vehicles could enter the zone on an average weekday. Analysis suggests the hike could raise millions more in revenue for TfL and increase costs for regular commuters and businesses driving into central London.
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