The congestion charge is a fee charged to those that drive their vehicles within certain cities during peak periods to help reduce traffic congestion. So far in the United Kingdom, the congestion charge applies from Monday to Friday between 7am-6pm to most cars entering Central London.
The Congestion Charge is £11.50 per vehicle per day. The fastest way to pay is by registering for Congestion Charge Auto Pay. You can also pay by telephone. Those residing within the UK can call at 0343 222 2222 while non UK residents can call at +44 20 7649 9122.
The London congestion charge zone currently covers the following areas: St. James, Waterloo, Borough, City of London, Clerkenwell, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Charing Cross, London Bridge, Holborn, Finsbury, Bloomsbury, Soho, Mayfair, Westminster and parts of Marylebone, Lambeth and Southwark. Typically, as you enter these areas, you will see a large letter "C" in a red circle.
Keep in mind that you can drive in and out of the congestion zone multiple times as you only pay one fee per day. In addition to that, there is no congestion charge on Saturdays and Sundays, Bank Holidays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Please note that cameras record when you enter and exit the congestion charge zone. So if payment is not received by midnight the day after you enter the congestion charge zone, a penalty charge notice (PCN) will apply. Click here if you want to know more about other UK road rules.
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