The Mayor of London and Transport for London have confirmed a package of changes to the Congestion Charging Scheme designed to prevent around 2,200 additional vehicles entering the zone each weekday, a rise that would otherwise increase congestion and air pollution. The measures aim to keep the scheme effective while continuing to support London’s transition to cleaner vehicles.

From 2 January 2026, the daily charge will rise from £15 to £18, its first increase since 2020. The Cleaner Vehicle Discount, originally due to end in December 2025, will be replaced by a new tiered discount system available via Auto Pay. Electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles will receive a 50 per cent discount, while electric cars will receive 25 per cent, with reduced discounts applying from March 2030.

Discounts of up to 100 per cent will remain for low-income and disabled Londoners, and changes to the Residents’ Discount will encourage longer-term EV uptake while protecting existing residents. A new full discount for “back to base” electric car-club vehicles will also be introduced.