New congestion zone rules come into force today affecting millions of drivers who enter the capital – and it means you’ll pay less at certain hours of the day.
Motorists now only need pay the £15 levy if they travel into central London within an 11-hour window from 7am to 6pm on weekdays.
The fee will only be in force for six hours from 12pm to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Before, drivers had to pay the £15 charge for travelling within the congestion zone for the 15 hours between 7am and 10pm seven days a week.
Transport for London confirmed the changes in December following a ten-week consultation last summer.
The capital's transport network operator said it wants the change to reboot London’s economy after widespread closures due to Covid.
The congestion zone operates every day of the year except on Christmas Day and the days leading up from December 25 until after New Year's Day.
Last June, it jumped by 30% - adding £3.50 more a day in a bid to deter people from high-polluting vehicles.
However if you drive an electric car, you’re exempt from the £15 charge altogether.
The shake-up was followed by an extension of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to include all areas within the North and South Circular roads in October.
The pollution tax has operated since April 2019, covering the same area of central London as the congestion charge.
It means more motorists now face a £12.50 daily fee and drivers of lorries and buses have to pay £100 if their vehicle is severely polluting.
Drivers of noncompliant vehicles who fail to pay the charge face a £160 penalty fine.
The daily charge is £12.50 for cars, smaller vans, motorbikes and other lighter vehicles.
Find out of you have to pay it by entering your registration number into TFLs’ online checker.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "London's toxic air is a health crisis causing long-lasting harm to our children and contributing to thousands of premature deaths.
"The Ultra Low Emission Zone has already cut nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half in central London and the expansion of the zone on October 25 means many more Londoners across the city will enjoy the benefits of cleaner, healthier air.
"We need bold action to clean up London's air and whilst it's encouraging that four out of five vehicles now meet the current standards and won't have to pay the ULEZ charge, I advise all drivers to use the TfL checker to make sure your vehicle is ULEZ compliant.”
