THE London Congestion Charge will rise by 15 per cent this month, in an effort to kerb traffic chaos, reduce pollution and improve the state of the capital’s transport network.
The daily fee will increase for the first time in three years, rising from £10 to £11.50. Those utilising the CC Auto Pay function will still benefit from a £1 reduction, but will be subject to a charge of £10.50 per day – or £14 if paid the next charging day.
The charges come into effect on 16 June 2014, with Transport for London (TfL) hoping the increase will act as a deterrent for all but the most essential journeys into Central London. It will contribute an income of £82.7m over the next five years, which will be reinvested into London’s transport network, including modernisation of the city’s roads.
The new London Congestion Charge price begins on 16 June 2014
The safest and most efficient way of paying the London Congestion Charge remains via CC Auto Pay – with drivers not only benefiting from a reduced rate, but also from fine exemption thanks to the automated payment system.
This format records the number of days a vehicle travels within the charging zone each month and bills the account holder’s card accordingly.
What’s more, from 2015, CC Auto Pay users will be able to pay by Direct Debit.
However, you can avoid the charge entirely, by investing in one of the increasing number of low emission vehicles.
A variety of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that emit less than 75g/km of CO2 are exempt from the daily charge – including the game-changing Vauxhall Ampera, range-extending BMW i3 and all-electric Nissan LEAF. The city-wide network of charging points is growing too, meaning you can charge your company car while in the office or out for lunch.
Do you run a small business that regularly uses the London Congestion Charge zone?
Make sure you don’t suffer an expensive fine by registering up to five vehicles on a single CC Auto Pay account. Visit https://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge today.
