Drivers will be able to save up to £15 each day during the festive period
Transport for London has confirmed the exact dates four driving charges will be lifted during the Christmas period. Every year London practically grinds to a halt as commuters remain at home and young professionals leave the city to visit their families.
With this drop in footfall TfL will tighten its restrictions on cars travelling into the city. This means that on certain days drivers won’t need to pay the Congestion Charge to visit Central London, while non-ULEZ compliant cars also won’t have to pay £15 to travel around the rest of the city.
This being said, some driving restrictions won’t be lifted at all during the Christmas period. The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will continue to operate for 24 hours a day which will impact heavy diesel commercial vehicles.
Drivers of vans and lorries will need to pay up or face being fined if they’re vehicle is not compliant with Euro 3 or 4 regulations.
Full breakdown of charges being lifted in London over Christmas and New Year
ULEZ: The Ultra-Low Emission Zone which was expanded to all 32 London boroughs in 2023 will not operate on Christmas Day. This means that for one day only drivers won’t have to pay the £12.50 charge.
Congestion Charge: London’s Congestion Charge won’t be enforced between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. As a result, the £15 payment to drive into Central London and parts of Lambeth and Southwark will not be necessary.
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels: Newly opened in April 7, Christmas Day will be the first time the payment for travelling through Silvertown Tunnel is lifted. The same will apply for Blackwall Tunnel meaning drivers won’t have to pay the £1.50 off-peak or £2.50 peak toll.
On all other days except December 25 both tunnel tolls will be enforced.
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