Electric vans and trucks will no longer be exempt from London’s congestion charge, under proposals put forward today (27 May) by Transport for London (TfL).
TfL is proposing the current 100% discount for electric vans and HGVs be replaced with a 50% discount, which would kick in from 2 January 2026.
From 4 March 2030, the 50% discount would be reduced to a 25% discount for electric vans and HGVs, under TfL’s proposals.
If the changes go ahead, drivers and operators with eligible vehicles will need to sign up to Auto Pay to receive the discount.
The discount will be applied automatically from DVLA data, rather than having to separately register and prove a vehicle meets the standards.
TfL is seeking views on a number of changes to the Congestion Charge, under a public consultation launched today.
The new proposals aim to cut the capital’s pollution levels even further and include a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD), from January 2026.
In addition, the Congestion Charging Scheme, which has remained the same since 2020, will increase from £15 to £18 from 2 January 2026, under the proposals. This would be the first increase in five years.
TfL is also consulting on some proposed changes to the Mayor’s road user charging guidance, which would allow the Congestion Charge to be increased each year in line with Tube fares. These increases would only apply to the Congestion Charge and not the ULEZ.
When the Congestion Charge was introduced in 2003, there was a 30% reduction in congestion within the zone and a 15% reduction in circulating traffic in the first year. It also boosted bus travel by 33% and contributed to a 10% shift in people using public transport or active travel.
Seb Dance, deputy mayor for transport, said: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.
“The congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, but we must ensure it is fit for purpose.
“Sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.
“At the same time we must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel. That’s why I’m pleased we’re proposing that substantial incentives remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.
“We encourage everyone to have their say and respond to the public consultation.”
Oliver Lord, UK head of Clean Cities Campaign, said: “We’ve record numbers of polluting diesel vans in the UK so I’m thrilled the mayor is helping to reward businesses that invest in greener fleets. By prioritising electric and pedal powered freight, we will all benefit from cleaner air and quieter streets.
Sophie O’Connell, Green Alliance senior policy adviser, commented: “It’s great to see London continuing its leadership in encouraging the switch to cleaner vehicles through the proposed changes to the Clean Vehicle Discount.
“With larger incentives for electric vans and delivery vehicles, which have further to go in decarbonising, these changes target the right areas.
“The new measures send a clear signal: driving a polluting vehicle through central London should not be cheaper than taking public transport, making the cleaner choice the obvious one while supporting both public health and the environment.”
