Travel Updates: No Congestion Charge in London This Christmas

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the £15-a-day congestion charge will be suspended for eight days over the festive period, starting on Christmas Day and ending on 1 January.

This provides a temporary financial reprieve for drivers entering central London during this time. However, other road schemes like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will continue to operate as usual, except on Christmas Day.

Public Transport Adjustments During Christmas

Public transport services will experience significant changes over the Christmas period.

On 25 December, there will be no public transport service across London, and only limited or no services will operate on Boxing Day. On Christmas Eve, buses will run until late evening, but there will be no night services or 24-hour routes transitioning into Christmas Day.

TfL has also confirmed round-the-clock services on most Tube lines, trams, the Elizabeth Line, and other key transport networks on New Year's Eve, except for the Waterloo and City line.

Alternative Transport Options

Throughout the festive season, alternative transport options will remain available. Victoria Coach Station, Santander Cycles, rental e-scooters, Dial-a-Ride, taxis, and private hire vehicles will operate as usual, even on Christmas Day. This ensures that residents and visitors have flexible transport solutions despite limited public services.

Rail Disruptions and Engineering Works

Travelers should also prepare for planned disruptions to rail services. Key National Rail stations such as Liverpool Street and Paddington will experience closures due to engineering works, with interruptions at Liverpool Street lasting from 27 December to 1 January and at Paddington from 27 to 29 December. Additionally, routes connecting King's Cross and St Pancras to Luton will be affected by closures from 21 December to 29 December.

What is the Congestion Charge?

The congestion charge is a daily fee of £15 for driving within central London’s Congestion Charge Zone during specified hours. It applies from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday, and from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekends and bank holidays. The charge is waived between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Currently, the charge applies to combustion-engined vehicles, including hybrids. However, starting December 2025, even zero-emission vehicles will be required to pay.

Who is Exempt from the Congestion Charge?

Certain groups and vehicles are exempt from paying the congestion charge:

• Zero-emission vehicles: Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are exempt until Christmas Day 2025.
• Residents: A 90% discount is available for eligible residents who applied before August 1, 2020.
• Blue Badge holders: Vehicles used by disabled drivers holding a Blue Badge.
• Emergency services: Ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles.
• NHS vehicles: Tax-exempt NHS vehicles.
• Disabled people's vehicles: Tax-exempt vehicles classified under the "disabled" taxation class.
• Taxis: Licensed taxis are automatically exempt.
• Motorcycles: Two-wheeled motorbikes and sidecars are exempt.
• Historic vehicles: Vehicles built before January 1, 1973.
• Specialist vehicles: Includes agricultural tractors, mobile cranes, and similar vehicles.
• Ministry of Defence vehicles: Military-operated vehicles are exempt.

Discounts and Additional Eligibility

Additional groups may qualify for discounts, including:

• Local authority, charity, and NHS workers.
• Vulnerable patients.
• Breakdown and recovery vehicles.
• Motor-tricycles and vehicles with more than nine seats.
• Ultra-low emissions vehicles.

Applications for exemptions or discounts can be submitted through the Transport for London (TfL) website.