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The London Low Emission Zone affects older, diesel-engined lorries, coaches, buses, large vans over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight and minibuses with over 8 seats plus the drivers seat. Those vehicles entering the zone are subject to a charge. London was not the first city to adopt congestion charging, but as of 2006 it is the largest city to do so. The organisation responsible for administering the charge is Transport for London (TfL).
The stated aim of the scheme is to encourage travellers to use public transport, cleaner vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles or their own two feet instead of motor cars and vans, thus reducing congestion and allowing for faster, less polluting and more predictable journeys. TfL says that much of the money raised in the scheme is invested in public transport.
| Vehicle |
Weight |
Age |
Daily Charge |
| Articulated lorries, Lorries and Flat bed lorries |
Exceeding
3.5 tonnes |
Registered before 1st October 2006 |
£200 |
Buses,
coaches |
Exceeding
5 tonnes |
Registered before 1st October 2006 |
| Large vans, small vans and pickups |
1.205 unladen to 3.5 tonnes gross |
Registered before 1 January 2002 |
£100 |
| Mini buses |
5 tonnes or less |
Registered before 1 January 2002 |
| Horse boxes |
Over 1.205 unladed weight |
May need to take action depending on registration date |
| Motor caravans |
Over 2.5 tonnes |
May need to take action depending on registration date |
| 4x4 |
1.205 unladen to 3.5 tonnes gross |
Registered before 1 January 2002 |
*Updated January 2012
When to pay
- You can pay up to 64 working days in advance of travel.
- By midnight on the day of travel
- You can pay before, during or after your journey.
- By midnight the next working day
How to pay
Online - You can either pay a one-off charge or set up an online customer account that will allow you to make, transfer and cancel daily charges, as well as view payment and statement history.
Go to TFL payment website
By phone - In the UK call 0845 607 0009 between 06:00 and 00:30 Sunday to Friday and 06:00 and 22:00 on Saturday.
- From outside the UK, call +44 207 310 8998 between 06:00 and 00:30 Sunday to Friday and 06:00 and 22:00 on Saturday (GMT).
By post - Pay using the LEZ charge payment form (PDF 690KB). We must receive your postal payment 10 days before you intend to travel to allow time for it to be processed.
Failure to pay the charge
If you drive into the LEZ with an affected vehicle that does not meet the required emissions standards, is not exempt or registered for a 100 per cent discount and you do not pay the daily charge, you may be liable for a Penalty Charge.
On the first occasion the vehicle is driven within the zone, TfL will issue a warning letter (instead of a Penalty Charge) which will give you 28 days to take action to comply.
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