Drivers are set to be given a lifeline in the capital this Christmas as Transport for London announces that the controversial road charges will be paused.
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charge have both contributed to reducing pollution and traffic rates in the capital, despite frustration from motorists.
However, between Christmas and New Year’s, drivers in and around London may be able to avoid the hefty daily charges.
Transport for London has confirmed that it will be pausing the central London Congestion Charge between Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
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Changes will be introduced to the Congestion Charge and Ulez over the coming weeks
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Operations will resume from Thursday, January 2, 2025, which runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and between 12pm and 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Motorists driving inside the central London Congestion Charge are expected to pay £15 every day when using the designated roads.
Changes will also be introduced for the Ultra Low Emission Zone, which will operate as usual across the festive period, apart from Christmas Day.
The Ulez operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, except for December 25.
Drivers are required to pay £12.50 if they drive inside the M25 boundary of Greater London with a petrol or diesel car which does not adhere to Ulez emissions standards.
Motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles must be Euro 3, petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles must be Euro 4 (NOx) and diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles Euro 6 (NOx and PM).
Lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles (all over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) and buses, minibuses and coaches (all over five tonnes GVW) do not need to pay the Ulez charge.
The Low Emission Zone (Lez), which covers most of Greater London, will continue to operate as usual including Monday, December 25.
Charges for these vehicles are far more expensive than the Ulez and Congestion Charge, with vans or specialist diesel vehicles (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to 3.5 tonnes GVW) or minibuses (up to five tonnes) which do not meet Euro 3 standards required to pay £100.
The £100 fee also applies to HGVs, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over 5 tonnes which do not meet Euro VI (NOx and PM) standards, but meet Euro IV (PM).
A £300 charge is on offer for HGVs, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over five tonnes which do not meet Euro IV (PM).
Claire Mann, Transport for London’s Chief Operating Officer, called on Britons to check before they travel as planned work could interrupt their journeys.
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Sadiq Khan has been one of the most vocal supporters of the Ulez in recent years
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She added: “This festive period, we are once again excited to help Londoners and visitors experience all the entertainment, culture, bars, and restaurants and shops that the capital has to offer. TfL’s services are the best way to easily and safely get around the city.
“The majority of the transport network will continue to operate over the festive period, ensuring that all customers can travel across London in affordable and green ways.”
