Transport for London has launched a public consultation proposing changes to the Congestion Charge, including the first increase in five years that would raise the daily fee from £15 to £18 from January 2026.

The proposals, open for public comment from now until 4 August 2025, aim to address mounting traffic concerns in central London.

TfL estimates that without these changes, approximately 2,200 additional vehicles would enter the charging zone on an average weekday next year following the expiry of the current Cleaner Vehicle Discount on 25 December 2025. 

A new tiered discount system for electric vehicles forms a central part of the proposals. From January 2026, electric vans and heavy goods vehicles would receive a 50% discount, whilst electric cars would get 25%. These discounts would be reduced by March 2030 to 25% and 12.5% respectively.

The consultation also proposes restricting the 90% residents' discount to electric vehicles only for new applicants from March 2027, though existing discount holders would be unaffected.

TfL has indicated it wants to introduce annual charge increases linked to inflation, similar to public transport fare rises.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said: "keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy."

“The congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, but we must ensure it is fit for purpose.

“Sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

'At the same time we must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel. That's why I'm pleased we're proposing that substantial incentives remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.”

'We encourage everyone to have their say and respond to the public consultation.'

The original Congestion Charge, introduced in 2003, achieved a 30% reduction in congestion within the zone and a 15% decrease in circulating traffic in its first year.

TfL data shows vehicle congestion cost London £3.85 billion in 2024, averaging £942 per driver.