You may need to pay the Congestion Charge, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and/or the Low Emission Zone charges to drive in London. Your number plate (Vehicle Registration Mark) will tell us which charges you need to pay. The Ultra Low Emission Zone has expanded across all London boroughs.

Driving through London for free in 2026 is extremely difficult due to the combination of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The Congestion Charge applies in Central London and rose to £18 per day in January 2026, operating Monday–Friday (7 AM – 6 PM) and weekends (12 PM – 6 PM). Even fully electric vehicles, which were previously exempt, now must pay a discounted daily rate of £13.50. The ULEZ, which covers almost all of Greater London, applies a £12.50 daily charge 24/7 for vehicles that do not meet strict emission standards (mostly older diesel and petrol cars). The only way to drive "for free" is to ensure your car is ULEZ-compliant (most petrol cars made after 2005 are) and to stay strictly outside the central Congestion Charge zone during its operating hours. The only day the Congestion Charge is suspended is Christmas Day.