The congestion charge, introduced in 2003, covers an area of Central London at certain times
Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused by motoring experts of a “backward step” after confirming electric vehicles (EVs) will lose their exemption from the capital’s congestion charge. The Mayor of London, who announced the change will take place from January 2, insisted it is essential the scheme “stays fit for purpose” amid a sharp rise in the number of EVs on the road.
The congestion charge, introduced in 2003, covers an area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays. The scheme’s daily fee will rise from £15 to £18 from January 2.
Pure battery-powered EVs are currently eligible for a 100% discount, but from that date this will be reduced to 25% for cars, and 50% for vans and lorries. The EV discount will be cut further from March 4 2030, to 12.5% for cars and 25% for vans and lorries.
AA president Edmund King urged Sir Sadiq to reverse his decision. He said: “This is a backward step which sadly will backfire on air quality in London.
“Many drivers are not quite ready to make the switch to electric vehicles, so incentives are still needed to help them over the line. The mayor needs to reconsider to continue to help more essential van and car journeys in the capital go electric.”
Ginny Buckley, the chief executive of EV advice website Electrifying.com, said: “It’s far too soon for TfL to remove exemptions for electric vehicles from the London congestion charge. This policy sends a confusing signal. You can’t champion clean air while penalising the vehicles that deliver it.”
Transport for London (TfL) said EVs will account for nearly a fifth of all vehicles in the congestion charging zone by the end of this year. Without the changes, it has estimated there could be more than 2,000 additional vehicles driving during operating hours in the zone on an average weekday.
TfL said this would “undermine the benefits” of the scheme by causing “more queues and delays”. Sir Sadiq said: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.
“While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.
“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”
The decision comes amid speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering using her upcoming Budget to announce the introduction of a pay as you drive tax on EVs.
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