While it’s possible to drive around London, it can sometimes end up being the most time-consuming and expensive way to travel. London is congested, and cars are charged for entering certain central areas. This is known as the Congestion Charge, which is charged per day, and payable online. It applies to drivers who use the congestion zone Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm, although black cabs are exempt. Certain vehicles will also have to pay to drive within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This zone covers a larger area of London than the Congestion Charge.
Guidance for non-UK registered vehicles
If you intend to bring a vehicle from Europe and it is registered outside of the UK, you will need to register it with Transport for London before driving in the capital. More guidance can be found via the official Transport for London website.
You can also check if your vehicle meets emissions and safety standards. You can check your vehicle here.
London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The London ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) costs £12.50 per day (from midnight to midnight) for non-compliant vehicles. It was expanded to cover all London Boroughs in August 2023. It operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December).
A failure to pay the ULEZ for a non-compliant vehicle could result in a penalty charge notice of £180. This can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days but can also be increased should you fail to pay or successfully challenge it. Both UK and non-UK registered vehicles can be given penalty charge notices.
Find out more about the London ULEZ.
The Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge covers central London and is a daily £15 charge. All vehicles driving in the zone are required to pay. It applies from 07:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 12:00 – 18:00 at weekends and bank holidays. There is no charge from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day bank holiday, inclusive.
A failure to pay the Congestion Charge could result in a penalty charge notice of £180. This can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days but can also be increased should you fail to pay or successfully challenge it.
Find out more about the Congestion Charge.
London low emission zone (LEZ)
The low emission zone (LEZ) covers most of Greater London and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The LEZ is not the same as the Congestion Charge zone in Central London and the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ).
If your vehicle is registered outside of the UK, you will need to register it with Transport for London to ensure that it meets the LEZ emission standards.
Find out more about the low emission zone.
Do driving charges apply to rental cars?
The Congestion Charge in London applies to all drivers. The requirement to pay the ULEZ fee will be dependent on whether your rental car meets emission standards. As most hire fleets are relatively new, the majority of vehicles will be exempt. Check with your car rental company when booking or picking up your vehicle to ensure it is compliant.
