Transport for London (TfL) has issued a helpful summary to provide guidance to road users during the first week of the T-Charge.
The T-Charge (Toxicity Charge) is part of a package of actions being taken by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to help clean up London’s dangerously polluted air, especially nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Both of these contribute to thousands of early deaths in London each year and impact our health over the course of our lives – leading to smaller lungs in our children, and greater risk of dementia and stroke when we get older.
The T-Charge is an additional £10 daily charge which will apply if you drive an older vehicle that doesn’t meet minimum exhaust emissions standards in the central London Congestion Charge zone, from 07:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.
How do I know if I have to pay?
Vehicles entering the Congestion Charge zone that do not meet the minimum emissions standards will be subject to the charge. You can check if your vehicle meets the required standard with our vehicle compliance checker.
Cars, vans, minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs, motorised caravans and horseboxes, breakdown and recovery vehicles, private ambulances, motor hearses, dual purpose vehicles and other specialist vehicle types that do not meet the minimum Euro emission standards are subject to the T-Charge. Motorised tricycles and quadricycles that are subject to the Congestion Charge are also affected. Motorcycles are not subject to the T-Charge.
The minimum emissions standards are Euro 4 / IV for both petrol and diesel vehicles, and Euro 3 for motorised tricycles and quadricycles. Most vehicles registered for the first time from 2006 onwards will meet this standard. If you are unsure, please check using the vehicle compliance checker.
What do I do if I need to pay?You can pay the T-Charge in the same way you pay the Congestion Charge. It will use the same payment and operational systems as the Congestion Charge. From 23 October 2017 we will identify whether a vehicle is subject to the T-Charge and if it is, the driver will be able to pay both the Congestion Charge and the T-Charge in the same transaction.
Do I qualify for a discount or an exemption?
Discounts and exemptions are broadly the same as the Congestion Charge, however 9+ seater vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standards will be liable to pay the T-Charge. You can find a full list of exemptions and discounts here.
My vehicle doesn’t meet the minimum emission standards, what can I do to avoid paying the charge?
The charge is intended to reduce toxic emissions in London and help clean up our dangerously polluted air. The best way to help cut these toxic emissions which harm Londoners’ health is not to drive unless you have to. Walking, cycling and public transport are the cleanest ways to travel in central London. Visit our Journey Planner tool for more information.
If you do need to drive, you can avoid paying the T-Charge by using a vehicle that meets the standards. If you are buying a second-hand vehicle, please be aware that the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will soon be in force and has stricter standards for diesel vehicles.
If you are purchasing a new vehicle, consider electric, hybrid or alternatively fuelled vehicles. Certain electric and hybrid vehicles are also eligible for a government grant to help reduce the costs of a new vehicle. Car clubs are a great option for those who need to drive infrequently.
Plan ahead. Take public transport, walk or cycle where possible, or pay online at tfl.gov.uk/t-charge