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London ULEZ and Congestion Charge: what drivers must check
ULEZ and the Congestion Charge are different schemes. The vehicle, route, day and time determine what may be due.
ULEZ in brief
TfL states that ULEZ operates across all London boroughs, 24 hours a day every day except Christmas Day.
A vehicle that does not meet the relevant emissions standard and is not exempt currently faces a £12.50 daily charge.
Two charges, different rules
Source checked · Europe/London. This check covers the rules below; older dated comparison rows retain their own check dates.
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ULEZ applies 24 hours a day except 25 December, across London boroughs but not the M25. The daily charge for an applicable non-compliant, non-exempt light vehicle is £12.50. Check the exact vehicle; heavy-vehicle LEZ rules are separate.
The Congestion Charge is currently £18 paid in advance or on the day, or £21 by midnight on the third day after travel. Its hours are 07:00–18:00 Monday–Friday and 12:00–18:00 on weekends and bank holidays, with no charge from 25 December through the New Year’s Day bank holiday inclusive. ULEZ has a different holiday rule, and both charges can apply.
Official ULEZ rules ↗ · Official Congestion Charge rules ↗ · The practical driving checklist
On this page
Congestion Charge is separate
The Congestion Charge covers a smaller central zone and operates to its own hours, daily rate, discounts and exemptions.
Meeting ULEZ standards does not remove a Congestion Charge liability.
Check the exact vehicle
Use TfL’s vehicle checker with the correct registration.
Owners of non-UK vehicles may need to register evidence even when the vehicle meets emissions standards. Do not rely only on age or fuel type.
Check the journey date
Charges, hours and exemptions can change.
Use the official postcode and vehicle tools on the day of planning, then confirm payment through TfL’s real website to avoid search-ad fraud.
Keep evidence
Save account, Auto Pay and payment confirmations.
A penalty notice has formal payment and challenge routes; an informal message does not replace the notice.
Continue exploring
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