How you can manage your London Congestion Zone payments

Fleet businesses that operate in London have been hit yet again with the congestion charge going up to £11.50 a day. The increase - from £10 a day - is the first since 2011. Here, we provides an overview of the charge structure and ways that you reduce your congestion charge costs.

The New Changes

• From the 16th June 2014, the daily Congestion Charge will rise to £11.50
• The cost for paying the charge the following day will also rise to £14
• Users of the Auto Pay scheme will now pay a daily charge of £10.50

Penalty Charge

None payment will incur a penalty charge notice of £130, which is reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days.

How does it work?

Most vehicles traveling inside the zone on a weekday are subject to the daily charge. The network of cameras surrounding the zone read the number plate of vehicles entering and leaving the zone. Whoever is responsible for the vehicle is required to pay the charge either in advance or before midnight that day. The charge is increased for payments made before midnight the following charging day.

Zone Operating Hours

The zone operates from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, except bank holidays and public holidays.

Can I reduce the charge?

Yes. registering with Congestion Charge Auto Pay reduces the daily charge to ??10.50. Up to 5 vehicles can be registered and the payment is made automatically based on the number of charging days a registered vehicle travels within the zone each month.

What about fleets of more than 5 vehicles?

If you have 6 or more vehicles in your fleet, you may be eligible to register for Fleet Auto Pay. The daily charge will be reduced to ??10.50 per vehicle and is charged automatically by direct debit each month based on how many charging days a registered vehicle entered the zone. 

How to Pay

• Online up to 90 days in advance, on the day or by midnight the following day.
• SMS with an account registered with Transport for London.
• Auto Pay register a credit or debit card for automated monthly payment and reduced charges.
• Phone - 0343 222 2222, in advance, on the day or up to midnight the following day.
• Post in advance, at least 10 days before travel.

How Telematics can help

Telematics technology gives fleet owners the visibility to reduce the risk of getting London Congestion Zone fines, late payment charges and helps ensure vehicles don't unnecessarily enter the London congestion zone.

The Navman Wireless solution provides businesses with instant alerts as soon as a vehicle enters the London Congestion Zone, historical reports showing if a vehicle has entered the Zone within a set time frame and maps out the boundaries of the Congestion Zone.