Any fleet with vehicles working in central London meets the Congestion Charge, and it is often confused with the ULEZ. They are separate schemes with separate charges, and a vehicle can be liable for both on the same day. Here's what the Congestion Charge is and how to keep it under control.
What It Is, and What It Costs
The Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving in the Congestion Charge Zone in central London, aimed at reducing traffic rather than emissions (which is the ULEZ's job). From 2 January 2026 the charge is £18 a day if paid on the day of travel or in advance, rising to £21 if paid within three days afterwards. Electric cars registered on Auto Pay currently receive a 25% Cleaner Vehicle Discount, bringing the charge to £13.50.
When It Applies
Charging hours are 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 12:00 to 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays, with no charge on Christmas Day. A vehicle in the zone during charging hours is liable regardless of how far it travels, this is a zone charge, not a distance one.
Congestion Charge vs ULEZ
The two are easy to conflate but work differently. The ULEZ charges vehicles that don't meet an emissions standard, anywhere in London, 24/7. The Congestion Charge applies to all vehicles in the central zone during charging hours, regardless of emissions. A non-compliant vehicle driving into central London on a weekday morning can owe both.
Why It Catches Fleets Out
Like other camera-enforced charges, the risk is the deadline, not the fee. Miss the payment window and the charge becomes a Penalty Charge Notice many times its size. Across a fleet with vehicles regularly entering central London, unpaid charges accumulate into exactly the kind of avoidable penalty stack covered in our fleet PCN and fines management guide.
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How Fleevo Helps
Fleevo tracks central-London journeys against the vehicles that made them and their payment deadlines, so Congestion Charges are settled before they escalate, and the cost sits alongside your ULEZ, toll, and fine data in one place. Explore PCNs & Fines Management, or read our guide to Clean Air Zones and the ULEZ.
Congestion Charge FAQs
How much is the London Congestion Charge?
From 2 January 2026, £18 a day if paid on the day or in advance, or £21 if paid within three days after travelling. Electric cars on Auto Pay currently pay £13.50 with the Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
What are the Congestion Charge hours?
07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 12:00 to 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays. There is no charge on Christmas Day.
Is the Congestion Charge the same as the ULEZ?
No. The ULEZ charges vehicles that fail an emissions standard, across all of London, 24/7. The Congestion Charge applies to all vehicles in the central zone during charging hours. A vehicle can owe both.
