London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced big changes to the city’s traffic congestion charge system. The new rules will directly affect electric vehicle owners and all drivers entering central London.
The mayor has terminated the full discount for electric vehicles, according to British media. Electric cars will now pay the congestion fee as well. A new discount system will take effect on January 2, 2026. Larger electric vans and cars will receive a 50% discount, while electric cars registered under Autopay will receive a 25% discount.
The daily congestion fee will rise from £15 to £18 concurrently. Drivers who pay after the deadline will be charged an additional £21.
Reducing traffic is crucial for London’s economy and environment, according to Mayor Sadiq Khan. According to him, the new system guarantees equity while promoting more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, and the Cleaner Vehicle Discount was always intended to be temporary.
First implemented in 2003, the congestion charge aims to reduce traffic in central London and enhance air quality. The plan has been modified over time to take into account evolving transportation requirements. The most recent modifications demonstrate the city’s efforts to strike a balance between revenue, traffic reduction, and environmental objectives.
According to transportation experts, the new regulations will decrease needless car trips and encourage more people to take public transportation. Higher fees, according to some drivers, will put more strain on them at a time when living expenses are rising.
With these modifications, London’s congestion charge—one of the most well-known urban traffic management systems in the world—continues to develop.
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