Changes to the congestion charge

The Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging (Variation and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007

On 12 February 2008, following public and stakeholder consultation, the Mayor of London confirmed the Variation and Transitional Provisions Order 2007.

The Mayor of London introduced the Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging Scheme in February 2003. We have proposed a number of variations to the Scheme Order (the legal framework of the scheme) in order to make adjustments and improvements to the scheme and its operation.

From 27 October 2008 we will introduce new CO₂ charges designed to:

• Encourage drivers within the charging zone to travel in vehicles which produce lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Discourage the use of vehicles with high CO₂ emissions

The primary aim of Congestion Charging remains to tackle congestion and encourage drivers to shift from private vehicles to public transport, walking and cycling.

Tackling climate change is a key priority for the Mayor. In order to tackle climate change it is necessary to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases which are emitted, of which CO2 is the most significant.

The majority of cars (around 80 per cent) within the Congestion Charging zone will not be affected by the Variation Order and will continue to pay the £8 standard charge or be eligible to apply for another discount or exemption.

The boundary of the Congestion Charging zone, and charging hours, 7:00 to 18:00 Monday-Friday excluding bank holidays, remain the same.

Key changes

The key changes we will introduce include:

• A 100 per cent low CO₂ discount for cars that:
  • Produce less than 120g/km CO₂ and meet the Euro 4 standard for air pollution emissions or
  • Produce no more than 120g/km of CO₂, and appear on the PowerShift register
    
• The introduction of a higher charge (£25) for cars and certain pickups with two rows of seats that produce high levels of CO_2.Vehicles liable for this charge are:
  • Cars first registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on or after 1 March 2001 that produce above 225g/km of CO₂
  • Cars first registered with the DVLA before 1 March 2001 with engines greater than 3,000cc
  • Pickups with two rows of seats (extended-cab dual-purpose pickups) with CO₂ emissions of greater than 225g/km or with engines greater than 3,000cc in size
    
• The removal of the 90 per cent Residents' Discount from the Congestion Charge for residents who continue to drive cars liable for the CO₂ charge
  
  
• The closure of the 100 per cent Alternative Fuel Discount (AFD) to new registrations, and the phasing out of the AFD by January 2010
  
  
• A change to the NHS reimbursement scheme. We will only reimburse patients travelling in those cars that are liable for the higher charge a maximum of £8, not the full £25
  
  
• The introduction of the Euro V incentive - a time-limited reduced Congestion Charge of £6 for lorries and heavier vans that meet the Euro V standard for air pollution emissions.

We have made further changes to the way congestion charging operates. Please see the Congestion Charging - new charging structure for further information. The table is also available in PDF format (PDF 61KB)

Find out your vehicle's CO₂ emission level or engine capacity

There are a number of ways to find out the CO₂ emissions level or engine capacity of your car. For cars registered with the DVLA on or after 1 March 2001, check the vehicle's V5C registration document for its CO₂ emissions level.

If your car was registered with the DVLA before 1 March 2001, the registration document will show its engine size (CO₂ emission level information is not available for cars first registered with the DVLA before 1 March 2001). If you are considering buying a new car, you can check the emissions level at http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/

How to find out more

Full details of the changes can be found in the Report to the Mayor on the Greater London (Central Zone) Congestion Charging (Variation and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 in the publications archive.

You can also read the Mayor's decision statement, and read the consultation documents in the publications archive.

The report is also available for public inspection at our office:

Faith Lawson House
15 Dacre Street
London SW1
View location map

If you need more general information please contact the Congestion Charging call centre on 0845 900 1234 or visit Congestion Charging.