London TfL congestion charge set to increase - this is how much it could go up by

The London congestion charge could go up by 20% within months (Picture: Getty Images)

Drivers could soon face a higher congestion charge in central London after Transport for London announced plans to increase the fee.

Driving in central London is far from enjoyable – and it could soon be more expensive after TfL proposed to hike up the daily charge to £18.

There are also plans to limit the residents’ discount to electric vehicles only.

The move is designed to crackdown on traffic congestion and incentivise electric car uptake to promote sustainable travel.

Here is everything you need to know about the increase and when it will kick in.

How much is the congestion charge rise?

A map shows where the congestion charge operates in central London (Picture: Metro)

The proposed rise would increase the daily fee from £15 to £18.

This is not the first time the charge has changed. The first rise was in June 2020,when the charge went up from the original £11.50.

Another big change in the pipeline is who could get the residents’ discount.

From March 2027,the residents’ discount would be available to new applicants only if they have an electric vehicle.

Currently,residents get a 90% congestion charge discount,regardless of whether they drive petrol or electric.

When will it change?

Why is the increase happening?

Around 2,200 extra vehicles could clog up London roads if the changes are not made,TfL said.

Congestion cost London an estimated £3.85 billion – or £942 per driver – last year and made London Europe’s most gridlocked city,a study by traffic analyst Inrix said.

Seb Dance,the deputy mayor for transport,said: ‘The congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction,but we must ensure it is fit for purpose.

‘Sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

‘At the same time we must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel. That’s why I’m pleased we’re proposing that substantial incentives remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.’

People can have their say in the congestion charge consultation until August 4.

What about ULEZ?

The ULEZ charge – currently £12.50 a day – will not change.

Drivers have to pay ULEZ,which applies in the entire Greater London,if their car does not meet the emission standards.

Generally,most modern vehicles – like cars registered after 2006 – tend to meet these standards.

ULEZ has cut roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by 54% in central London and 24% in outer London since it launched in 2019,TfL said.

When did congestion charge start in London?

The first version of the charge started in central London on February 17,2003.

Initially,the fee was £5,doubling to £10 by 2011.