London, (Shahzad Ali) __ In a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion, London’s congestion charge will rise by 20 percent from next year, bringing the daily fee to £18. For the first time, electric vehicle (EV) owners will also be required to pay the charge to drive within the city’s central zone.

According to Transport for London (TfL), electric car owners will receive a 25 percent discount, while electric vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will be entitled to a 50 percent discount.
Motoring organisations have criticised the decision, describing it as a “step backwards”, arguing that it undermines the government’s environmental goals and discourages the use of cleaner, electric vehicles.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan defended the policy, stating that maintaining the current system would result in an average of 2,200 additional vehicles entering central London each day, thereby defeating the purpose of the congestion charge. He emphasised that reducing traffic congestion is vital for both the city’s economy and environment.

Statistics show that there are now six times more electric vehicles — around 120,000 — registered to drive in the zone compared with 2019. The full exemption for EVs had already been due to expire at the end of this year.

Furthermore, Mayor Khan announced that the 90 percent residents’ discount will, from March 2027, apply only to electric vehicle owners. Meanwhile, car clubs operating on a vehicle-sharing basis will continue to enjoy full exemption for EVs.