Importance of an Auto Pay Account for Private Hire Drivers in London
Driving in London as a private hire driver means juggling traffic, passengers, long hours, and keeping up with weekly PCO car hire payments. On top of that, remembering to pay road charges like the Congestion Charge or ULEZ can easily slip your mind.
That’s where Auto Pay comes in. Transport for London’s automated payment service takes care of your daily road charges automatically. For PCO drivers, it’s more than just a convenience; it’s a way to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and focus entirely on driving and earning.
Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible service.
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Article Highlights
This article covers essential details related to the Auto Pay service, including:
- What is Auto Pay?
- Importance of Auto Pay for private hire drivers in London
- What Auto Pay covers (and what it doesn’t)
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Auto Pay account creation process
What is Auto Pay?
Auto Pay is Transport for London’s automated payment service for road charges. It requires you to open an Auto Pay account with your vehicle and payment details. Their cameras record your number plate upon entering a charging zone. If your vehicle is registered with Auto Pay, the system automatically deducts the correct fee from your account. This removes the need for manual payments every time you drive through the Congestion Charge or ULEZ zone.
Why is Auto Pay Important for Private Hire Drivers?
There are many reasons Auto Pay is important for private hire drivers in London, including:
It Reduces the Risk of PCNs
Every private hire driver dreads Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). A simple forgotten road charge payment can become a costly fine and affect your earnings. Auto Pay minimises the risk of penalties even if you forget to pay the fee. The system pays the fee automatically to save you time, money, and stress.
It Saves Administration Time and Reduces Stress
Tracking every road charge can be exhausting when you drive for 8-10 hours every day. You have to remember the entry points of charging zones and payment deadlines, and pay the fees manually. Auto Pay handles the admin, freeing your mind to focus on driving and customer service.
What Auto Pay Covers
Auto Pay covers the Congestion Charge in central London, which is £15 per day. It also handles the ULEZ charge, which now applies to all London boroughs. It’s a £12.50 daily charge for vehicles that don’t comply with TfL’s emission standards. For larger high-emission vehicles like buses and coaches, it covers the LEZ charge. Depending on the vehicle, it’s a £100 or £300 daily charge, but these charges are less relevant to private hire drivers.
Lastly, Auto Pay covers the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charge. The charge is £4 during peak hours and £1.50 during off-peak hours.
Read our blog, Silvertown Tunnel Toll Charge – Everything You Need to Know, for more details on how these charges work.
Fleeto provides fully compliant PCO cars that meet Transport for London’s emission standards. This compliance helps you avoid daily ULEZ charges and helps you keep more of what you earn. Choose a Fleeto car and focus on earning without distraction.
Saving Time and Stress! Register for Auto Pay today.
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What it Doesn’t Cover
Auto Pay does not cover airport drop-off charges. All the major airports in London, such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, have their own payment systems. You must register and pay each airport’s drop-off charges separately.
Similarly, Auto Pay does not cover the Dartford Crossing Charge. It falls under the national toll system, not TfL’s system. You can use different automatic payment services for these charges.
Common Auto Pay Account Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some costly mistakes that Auto Pay users can make. Avoid these to enjoy a stress-free experience:
Not Updating Vehicle Information After Changing the Vehicle
Auto Pay deducts charges based on your account’s vehicle information. If you change your car, your protection stops and the risk of PCNs increases. The system cannot protect a car it does not recognise. The best practice is to update your account immediately with new vehicle details.
Relying on Auto Pay But Not Monitoring It
Auto Pay is a reliable service, but you should check your account regularly. Your payment card might expire, or your bank could flag a transaction automatically while you think deductions are happening.
We recommend that you check your Auto Pay account at least once a month and confirm that payments are being made correctly. If there’s a problem, fix it immediately. This five-minute check prevents a major financial burden later.
How to Set Up an Auto Pay Account
The process of creating an Auto Pay account is straightforward. Here’s how it works:
- Create a London Road User Charging account on the TfL website.
- Sign in to the account and go to the Auto Pay section on your dashboard.
- Provide your personal details as required.
- Register your PCO vehicle’s number plate.
- Link a valid debit or credit card for payments.
- Complete the application and agree to the terms.
The entire process takes just a few minutes, though full activation may take some time. Your Auto Pay coverage will begin shortly after account activation. However, it doesn’t cover the journeys made before.
Conclusion
Auto Pay is an extremely valuable service for private hire drivers, provided you monitor the account and update details. It protects your earnings from penalties, reduces your mental load, and keeps you compliant on the road. The account creation process is simple, but the long-term benefits are substantial. For any PCO driver in London, having an Auto Pay account means less admin and more financial clarity.
If you don’t have an Auto Pay account yet, register today. You will feel the difference immediately.
Start Earning Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Auto Pay and how does it work?
Auto Pay is TfL’s automated payment service for road charges. It deducts Congestion Charge, ULEZ, and certain tunnel fees directly from your account whenever your registered vehicle enters a charging zone.
Why should I set up an Auto Pay account as a PCO driver?
It reduces the risk of fines, saves admin time, and ensures you stay compliant with London’s road charges while focusing on driving and earning.
Which road charges are covered by Auto Pay?
Auto Pay covers the Congestion Charge, ULEZ, and charges for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels. LEZ charges apply only to larger vehicles like buses.
Which charges are NOT covered by Auto Pay?
Auto Pay does not cover airport drop-off charges (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton) or the Dartford Crossing charge. Separate systems apply to these.
How do I create an Auto Pay account for my PCO vehicle?
Sign up for a London Road User Charging account on TfL’s website, register your vehicle, link a payment card, and activate Auto Pay in the dashboard.
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