Congestion Charge: What PCO Drivers Need to Know
Congestion charge is a £15 daily fee that you have to pay for driving in central London during
peak hours. It aims to reduce traffic in busy areas and lower emissions.
This charge could take a bite out of your profits if you drive a non-electric vehicle, including hybrids and PHEVs. However, those who drive EVs, whether through ownership or PCO car hire, are exempt from this charge.
In this article, we will explain how the congestion charge works and its effect on PCO drivers.
Article Highlights
This guide contains information about:
- What is congestion charge?
- Who pays the congestion charge?
- How to pay the congestion charge, and more.
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
MG 5
£115/week
MG HS
£250/week
Toyota Corolla
£200/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
Toyota Prius Plus
£220/week
Toyota Rav4
£270/week
Hyundai Ioniq SE
£200/week
Hyundai Kona
£125/week
When Does Congestion Charge Apply?
The congestion charge applies during the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weekends and Bank Holidays: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- No charge: Between Christmas and New Year
- Payment Deadline: Midnight of the third charging day after travel
Know the Rules, Avoid the Fines.
Don’t let the Congestion Charge drain your income. Learn how to beat it.
Do all PCO Drivers Have to Pay the Congestion Charge?
All the PCO drivers have to pay the charge unless your are driving an electric vehicles or Wheelchair-Accessible PHVs are exempt from this fee but the EV exemption is ending in December 2025 .
How to Pay the Congestion Charge?
You can pay the charge in several ways, including:
- Online: Pay directly through the TfL website
- Phone: Call 0343 222 2222 and follow instructions. (Charges apply)
- App: You can also pay the fee through TfL Congestion Charge app.
- Auto Pay: Set up an Auto Pay account for automatic deductions.
Failing to pay the charge within three days of using the congestion zone will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
What is the Impact of Congestion Charge on Your Earnings?
Let’s say you drive 5 days a week in central London. That’s:
- £75 per week
- £300 per month
- Over £3500 per year
The average annual income of PCO drivers is between £30,000 and £40,000. This charge can take a large part of your income.
How to Reduce or Avoid the Daily Congestion Charge?
Use the following strategies:
Switch to an EV
- Electric vehicles get a 100% discount on the congestion charge.
- You must apply for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount through TfL to benefit from the exemption.
- A V5C vehicle registration certificate and £10 annual registration fee are required.
- EVs are also exempt from ULEZ charges, which means double savings.
Want to learn more about ULEZ charges? Read our thorough guide here.
Set Up an Auto Pay Account
An Auto Pay account helps you save £1/day. Plus, automated payments eliminate the possibility of costly PCNs.
Do the following to create an Auto Pay Account:
- Visit the TfL website
- Create a London Road User Charging (LRUC) account
- Provide your vehicle details
- Provide payment details
- Accept terms and conditions
- Complete the setup
Can I Pay the Congestion Charge in Advance?
You can pay the charge up to 90 days in advance. This is useful for drivers who already know their schedules.
How Do I Know if I’m Entering the Congestion Zone?
Use navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. These apps alert you when entering the congestion zone.
Is There a Weekly or Monthly Cap on Congestion Charges?
There are no caps. If you drive in the zone 7 days a week, you will have to pay the £15 charge for each day.
Will TfL Notify Me if I Forget to Pay the Charge?
TfL doesn’t send reminders. Not paying the charge before the deadline will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
What if I Ignore the PCN As Well?
The fine will increase and enforcement agencies may get involved. This will ultimately affect your credit score and ability to renew your PCO licence.
Start Earning Today.
Conclusion
Congestion charge is a mandatory, non-refundable fee if you don’t drive an EV. However, there are several ways to reduce or even avoid paying it altogether, such as paying attention to charging hours, understanding the rules, and using every tool available.
Follow these tips to protect your hard-earned income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to pay the congestion charge?
Enter your vehicle’s registration number or postcode on TfL’s Congestion Charge Checker. This tool will indicate whether you need to pay the charge or not.
Will I receive a notification when I need to pay the congestion charge?
You won’t receive a notification. Therefore, it’s important to educate yourself on this topic to avoid any fines.
What if I accidentally drive into the congestion zone?
Even if you drive accidentally into the zone, you must pay the charge, which is £15 per day.
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