Is driving in London free over Christmas? Do Ulez and congestion charges apply?

All you need to know about hitting the capital's roads this festive season
Tube strike
It is free to drive into central London over the festive period
PA
Sian Baldwin27 November 2023

Christmas is on the way and, like every year, London is set to be a hotbed of activity.

Locals and tourists alike are expected to flock to the streets of the capital for festive frolics, from Winter Wonderland events to Santa visits and the normal Christmas shopping. But whether it is to buy presents or see the sights, many will be wondering about the best way to get around.

If you decide to give public transport a miss and drive yourself in, will you still have to pay the congestion charge? And will Ulez charges apply?

Here’s what you need to know.

Do you pay the congestion charge in London between Christmas and New Year's Day?

If you drive into the congestion charge zone between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, the TFL website has confirmed you will not have to pay the usual fee.

Normally a £15 daily charge applies to most vehicles driven within the congestion charge zone between 7am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays and midday to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Do you pay the Ulez charge in London between Christmas and New Year's Day?

Although the congestion charge is waived, Ulez fees still apply over the period, with the exception of Christmas Day when Ulez is suspended. This year 25 December falls on a Monday.

If your vehicle doesn't meet the Ulez emissions standards and isn't exempt, you need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone.

This applies to cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes).

Do you pay charges for the low emissions zone between Christmas and New Year's Day?

Yes, afraid so. The low emissions zone (LEZ) operates to encourage owners of the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles to not drive them in London.

The LEZ covers most of Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year but for Christmas Day.

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