Transport for LondonCO2 Charging
End of the CO2 charge
Cancelled proposals
Common questions
End of the CO2 Charge
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has ended proposals for introducing a CO2 Charge.
This would have meant owners of vehicles emitting the highest levels of CO2 (226 g/km and above), such as large family cars, £25 a day to drive in the central London Congestion Charging zone.
The High Court has now confirmed that the paperwork necessary to end the proposal has been completed and the CO2 Charge is no more.
This means there will be no increase in charge for drivers of vehicles emitting 226 g/km and above of CO2 (VED Band G and some equivalent Band F vehicles) from October 2008.
Ending the CO2 Charge at this stage will save approximately £10m
The 100 per cent discount for vehicles emitting up to 120g/km of CO2 (VED Band A and B vehicles has also been removed. In addition, there will be no change for residents registered for the 90 per cent discount with these types of vehicles.
Ending the CO2 Charge at this stage means that TfL will save approximately £10m that was still due to be spent on implementing the scheme.
The decision by the Mayor means the discount for alternative fuel vehicles will remain in place and the existing Congestion Charge scheme will not be affected. The hours of operation are still Monday-Friday 07:00-18:00, excluding Bank Holidays.
The Low Emission Zone, which aims to reduce harmful emissions from the largest diesel-engined vehicles, like lorries, buses and coaches, is not affected by this decision.
Cancelled proposals
The cancelled changes would have included the following:
- £25 daily charge for those cars and extended-cab dual-purpose pick-ups that emit 226g/km or above of CO2, or that have an engine size over 3,000cc
- A 100 per cent discount from the Congestion Charge for those cars and extended-cab dual-purpose pick-ups that emit no more than 120g/km of CO2 and that meet the Euro 4 standard for air quality
- The current alternative fuel discount would have been withdrawn. This discount will remain in place
- Euro V incentive - a time-limited reduced rate Congestion Charge of £6 for the drivers of lorries and heavier vans that meet the Euro V standard for air quality
These changes will now not go ahead.
Common questions
Now that CO2 Charging is no longer being introduced, are there any other changes planned to the Congestion Charging scheme?
There are no changes currently planned. All aspects of the scheme will remain the same as they are now. As always, TfL monitors the scheme's impacts and keeps policies under review so future changes cannot be ruled out.
I am currently registered for the 90 per cent Residents' Discount from the Congestion Charge, will anything change for me?
No. All residents who are registered with TfL for the 90 per cent Residents' Discount will continue to receive the discount, regardless of their vehicle's CO2 emissions.
I have 10 or more vehicles that are registered on a fleet account, will anything change for me?
No. If you have 10 or more vehicles and are registered on a fleet account with TfL, you will continue to pay a daily charge of £7 per vehicle per charging day.
The £6 daily reduced rate for lorries and heavier vans that meet the Euro V standard for air pollution emissions is no longer being introduced because it was tied in with the CO2 Charging changes. Therefore, any of these vehicles that are registered on a fleet account will continue to pay the £7 daily charge.
I drive a car that would have been eligible for the low CO2 discount, how much do I have to pay now?
Any discount or higher charge that was going to be introduced as part of CO2 Charging will no longer apply. You will continue to pay the same amount as you currently pay for the Congestion Charge. If you have an alternative fuel vehicle, you may be eligible for the alternative fuel discount.
I drive a vehicle that would have been liable for the £25 higher charge, how much do I have to pay now?
Any discount or higher charge that was going to be introduced as part of what TfL termed CO2 Charging will no longer apply. You will continue to pay the same amount as you currently pay for the Congestion Charge.
Why are the plans for CO2 Charging being discontinued?
CO2 was a commitment by the previous Mayor. The new Mayor made it clear in his manifesto that he would not proceed with the plans.
Is TfL paying Porsche legal costs?
As the decision on the CO2 charge is being overturned, Porsche is entitled to have its legal costs paid by TfL. However, Porsche has offered to donate the money they receive to Skidz, a charity that provides young people, particularly those with few advantages, with mechanical skills and training that could lead to future employment. Skidz will use the money to set up a branch in Hillingdon.
