London congestion charge back in place

The London congestion charge is in place again from today, with motorists charged £11.50 to enter the city between 07:00 and 18:00. The charge will rise to £15 on 22 June.

Alex Buttle, director of car selling comparison website Motorway.co.uk, said: “A 30% congestion charge hike will be a bitter pill to swallow for London car owners who travel into the city, many of whom will have been hit hard financially during lockdown.

“There will also be a degree of confusion around this price increase at a time when the government has urged people returning to work to try and avoid public transport. This hike is likely to encourage more people to use the tube and trains next week.

“There will inevitably be a financial cost for all of us after a prolonged lockdown, but hitting commuters in the pocket so early after restrictions are eased seems harsh, especially when the economy needs people to return to work. It also hasn’t been made clear if this price hike is temporary or permanent.

“The one positive that can be taken from this congestion charge hike, is that it may convince more London motorists to trade in their diesel and petrol vehicles models and make the leap to full-electric cars which are exempt from charges, and as a double benefit, also qualify for ‘cleaner vehicle discounts’ on into 2021 and beyond.

“If that is the legacy of higher prices, then London will benefit in the long run from less polluted air as we see a faster switch over to cleaner motoring,” added Buttle.