Car finance in London

To know whether you need to pay the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or Congestion Charge, you can follow these steps:

ULEZ: The ULEZ covers most of Greater London, and it applies to vehicles that don’t meet specific emissions standards. You can check if your vehicle is compliant by visiting the official Transport for London (TfL) website and using their Vehicle Checker tool. The charge applies 24/7, except for Christmas Day. Vehicles like older petrol cars (pre-Euro 4) and diesel cars (pre-Euro 6) are more likely to incur charges. As of 2024, the daily ULEZ charge is £12.50 for non-compliant vehicles.

Congestion Charge: This charge applies to a specific area of Central London, including landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and The Shard. The Congestion Charge operates between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends. You can check if your journey will pass through the Congestion Charge zone using online maps or TfL’s Congestion Charge Checker. The current fee is £15 per day, and you can pay online, via phone, or through the TfL app.

Note: Some vehicles, such as fully electric cars, may be exempt from both charges, and there are discount schemes for residents of the Congestion Charge zone.

Driving in London can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the capital’s layout and busy traffic patterns. Here are some things you might want to bear in mind before setting off:

Traffic and Congestion: London is notorious for heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours (7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.). Major roads like the A40, A501 (Euston Road), and A4 around Kensington often experience congestion. Additionally, narrow streets, one-way systems, and pedestrianised zones, such as around Covent Garden and Oxford Circus, can make navigation tricky.

Bus Lanes and Cyclists: Bus lanes are strictly enforced in London, and fines are issued to drivers who use them during restricted hours. Additionally, cyclists are common, especially on main routes like The Embankment and London Bridge, so it's important to be cautious when sharing the road.

Parking: Parking in Central London is expensive and limited. You’ll find a mix of on-street parking (often pay-and-display) and multi-storey car parks, but spaces near landmarks like Buckingham Palace or The Tower of London are hard to find. Using apps like Parkopedia can help locate parking spots in advance.

Navigation Tools: It’s highly recommended to use a GPS or navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, to help avoid traffic jams, road closures, and restricted zones. London is well signposted, but real-time navigation will help you steer clear of unexpected delays.