LONDON · TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

LIVE Independent London intelligence · checked today

LONDON, DECIDED
LONDON, MADE POSSIBLEWHAT TO DO · WHERE TO GO · HOW TO GET THERE

MOTORING

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.

OPEN MY LONDON ↗
People walking beside the River Thames in London
Decision points
5 useful sections
Reading time
1 minutes
Source checks
1 named checkpoint
Last reviewed
2 SEPTEMBER 2026
01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

05

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.