Transport for London (TfL) is proposing changes to the Congestion Charge – including raising the daily rate from £15 to £18 from January 2026.

The proposal is just one of the changes that TfL are seeking views on in a public consultation that will run until the 4th of August 2025.

With the current Cleaner Vehicle Discount due to end in December this year, Transport for London are also proposing a new CVD to support EV drivers further and reduce carbon emissions. TfL have said that continuing to offer a 100% discount would lead to worsening congestion over time. Deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, said: “Sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.”

As such, discounts are set to vary depending on the type of journey and vehicle under the new CVD. Trips that are less suited to walking, cycling or public transport, such as those made by commercial vehicles, will benefit more from the new CVD discount. To continue to encourage the uptake of zero-emission vehicles, TfL have said that there will still be some support for non-commercial drivers. The proposal is set to roll out in two phases and the discount is expected to be applied automatically from DVLA data.

TfL are also proposing a change to the Residents’ Discount, limiting eligibility for new applicants to those with zero-emission vehicles. This change is expected to incentivise more people to shift to electric cars. Residents already registered for the discount will not be affected.

TfL’s director of strategy, Christina Calderato, said: “Since it was introduced in 2003, the congestion charge has been hugely successful in supporting the move to more walking, cycling and public transport and encouraging the uptake of the cleanest vehicles. With these proposed changes we want to make sure it continues to be effective in managing traffic and congestion in central London while providing ongoing support to those who need to drive in the zone to make the switch to an electric vehicle.

She finished: “I would encourage people to respond to the consultation to help shape our plans.”