Central London Congestion Charges
What is it and how does it work?
The Congestion Charging zone operates in the centre of London. As of 19th February 2007, the congestion charge zone was extended and now includes Bayswater, Notting Hill, North and South Kensington, High Street Kensington, Chelsea, Belgravia and Pimlico. The areas where the charge is applicable are highlighted on the map below.
The Congestion Charge applies to vehicles driving in to, around and out of the charging zone during charging hours.
Hire cars are not exempt from the charge and it is the responsibility of the renter and not Europcar to register the vehicle they are driving by paying the charge each day they travel within the zone.
When does it apply?
The Congestion Charge is an £8 daily charge for driving or parking a vehicle on public roads within the Congestion Charging zone between 7:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive. Payment of the charge allows you to drive around, leave and re-enter the zone as many times as required in one day.
How will I know if I'm in the charging zone?
You will know when you are about to cross the boundary into the charging zone because you will see the ‘C’ sign, shown top right, at the side of the road. There are no tollbooths, barriers or tickets; instead you are paying to register your vehicle registration number on a database. Cameras will read your number plate as you enter or drive within the charging zone and check it against the database of those who have paid the charge or those who are exempt or registered for 100% discount. Once the vehicle registration number has been matched, showing that you have paid the charge the photographic image of your vehicle is automatically wiped off the database.
Payment, when and how?
You can pay the Congestion Charge either in advance, or on the day of travel before, during or after the journey, or by midnight the following charging day. The charge is £8 if you pay by midnight on the day of travel or £10 if you pay by midnight the following charging day (you can pay the following charging day via the call centre and website only).
Ways to pay:
- You can pay by credit or debit card online at www.cclondon.com
- By mobile phone text message. To use this service you must register first. Visit the website or call 0845 900 1234 to register.
- Pay in cash at retail outlets including newsagents, convenience stores or petrol stations where you see the Congestion Charge sign or PayPoint logo. Some retailers may accept payment by cheques or credit / debit cards.
- You can also make payments with credit and debit cards at self-service machines in major car parks mainly located inside the Congestion Zone.
- By phone, simply call 0845 900 1234 between 6.00am and 12.30am Sunday to Friday, and from 6.00am to 10.00pm Saturday. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card. Remember to have your vehicle registration number to hand and the correct date of travel.
Penalties for late payment
If the charge has not been paid before midnight of the next charging day after driving in the zone a £100 Penalty Charge Notice will be issued and this will be passed on to the renter. The £100 penalty will be reduced if paid within 14 days, however it will increase to £150 if payment is not made within 28 days.
Europcar do not accept liability for these charges. Failure to pay the daily fee will incur Europcar Administration costs. Therefore Europcar will settle the penalty and recharge the renter the cost of the penalty plus a £27 admin fee.
International residents visiting the UK are not exempt from paying the charge.
The signs to the right can be found in and near the charging zone. Please note these signs may be subject to change. Europcar do not accept responsibility for any changes since this information was published - February 2007. All congestion charging information and graphics were correct at time of publication.
For further information please contact a Europcar Representative or visit www.cclondon.com.
This information is available to download in pdf format.
