When did the London Congestion Charge start?
Table of Contents
17 February 2003
Congestion Charging – February 2004 Since the introduction of the congestion charging scheme in central London on 17 February 2003, congestion has reduced significantly; London’s bus capacity has increased and journey times for all vehicles are faster and more reliable.
When did congestion charge zone change?
The majority of the changes will come into force on the 20 December, aside from the changes to hours of operation, which will take place on 21 February 2022. This is to allow for changes to operational systems and to alter the signs that inform drivers of when the charge is in operation.

When did Congestion Charge become 7 days a week?
22 June 2020
From 22 June 2020, it will temporarily run from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week (as opposed to the previous 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays), and the daily charge will rise from £11.50 to £15 per day for a period of one year.
Who introduced the Congestion Charge in London?
Ken Livingstone
The congestion charge was first introduced in 2003 by Ken Livingstone, Johnson’s Labour predecessor, who then extended the scheme to west London in February last year. The charge was originally £5 and rose to £8 in 2005 and was widely opposed by the Conservatives as a tax on motorists.
How do I know if I went through Congestion Charge?

If you’ve driven into the Congestion Charging zone there’s no way to find out if your vehicle’s number plate was recorded or not, other than wait to see if you get a letter or fine through the post.
Is Kings Cross in the congestion zone?
The Congestion Charge Zone covers the majority of central London including Fitzrovia, Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury, Mayfair and Holborn. King’s Cross Station is located just outside of the congestion zone; however, the charges may apply depending on where you live or are visiting in the area.
Is there still Congestion Charge in London?
The Congestion Charge is a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank Holiday (inclusive).
How do I know if I went into Congestion Zone?
Is there London Congestion Charge on Saturday?
The Congestion Charge in London applies between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, except between Christmas Day and the New Year’s Day bank holiday. The Congestion Charge costs £15 if you pay in advance or on the same day.
How do I know if I hit Congestion Charge?
Can I check if I have driven in the congestion zone?
How do I know if I have to pay Congestion Charge in London?
You can pay in advance, on the day of travel or by midnight of the third day after travel. You need to pay a daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 07:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive).
Why does London have a congestion charge?
What are the best arguments for a congestion charge? The air pollution and noise caused by traffic affects everyone’s health, while the comfort of sitting in a car (instead of a bus) is enjoyed only by the driver and their passengers.
Do London residents have to pay the congestion charge?
The congestion charge was first introduced in 2003 and since then traffic congestion has fallen by 20 per cent and delays have been cut by 30 per cent, according to figures from Transport for London. Residents in the zone do have to pay the congestion charge – which is currently £11.50 per day – but they are eligible for a 90 per cent discount.
What is the purpose of the London congestion charge?
– Residents of the Congestion Charge zone (90 per cent discount) – Blue Badge holders (fully exempt) – Accredited breakdown vehicles (fully exempt) – Vehicles with nine or more seats (fully exempt) – Motor tricycles less than one metre in width and two metres in length (fully exempt) – Roadside recovery vehicles (fully exempt)
Where does the congestion charge apply in London?
The current congestion charge zone covers the area within the London Inner Ring Road which includes both the City of London, which is the main financial district, and also the West End, which is London’s primary commercial and entertainment centre.