Motorists travelling in one major UK city will be slapped with a £126 per week driving charge as a new daily fee is rolled out. London’s Congestion Charge is more expensive in 2026, with individuals now paying £18 per day to drive their cars inside the zone.
It means motorists travelling inside Central London for work five days per week will pay £90 or around £360 per month. However, those who need to travel inside the Congestion Charge zone seven days per week will have to fork out £126 per week or over £500 per month.
Fees for petrol and diesel owners increased from £15 per day on January 2, meaning costs are up £3 every day or £21 per week. The new £18 fee applied across the Charging Zone between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and then between 12pm and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
However, it’s not the only Congestion Charge update, with electric car owners paying to use London’s streets for the first time.
Transport for London (TfL) explained: “Without these changes, we estimate there could be more than 2,000 additional vehicles driving during operating hours in the Congestion Charge zone on an average weekday.
“This is compared to an estimated ‘do nothing’ scenario. This would undermine the benefits of the Congestion Charge – leading to more queues and delays, and negatively impacting London’s economy, local businesses, bus passengers and other essential services.”
Pure battery‑electric cars are cheaper, with owners enjoying a 25% reduction in fees bringing their daily cost to £13.50. However, officials have confirmed that other vehicles such as electric vans will receive a slightly larger 50% discount.
Electric cars will only enjoy their current discount for a few more years, with Transport for London (TfL) confirming discounts will fall from 4 March 2030. From this date, electric cars will only enjoy a 12.5% discount with vans getting 25% off.
Drivers who forget to pay the Congestion Charge within 48 hours are at risk of being slapped with a Penalty Charge Notice. This can lead to a £180 fine or £90 if paid within 14 days.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan previously said: “While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.
“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”
