Drivers have been warned that new road charge hikes could see them fork out millions in daily fees to travel across London.
According to a Freedom of Information request, drivers are expected to pay an extra £40million next year in Congestion Charge costs.
The estimation comes as London Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to increase the Congestion Charge to £18 from January next year.
The daily charge would increase from £15, with Sir Khan hoping the move will encourage more walking and active travel throughout London.
The FOI detailed how £202.8million was generated in Congestion Charge payments between April 2024 and March 2025.
Now analysis has suggested that the price increase could bring in £243million in revenue next year.
Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, said: “The £3 daily increase means a commuting driver will pay £4,500 per year in Congestion Charge fees if they drive into the capital five days a week, a hike of £750.
“Our analysis, based on 250 working days per year, highlights the heavy financial impact the increase will have on individual drivers and businesses.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan hopes the changes to the Congestion Charge will increase active travel throughout London
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PA
The price increase in fees marks the third rise in daily costs since 2003, when the chargers were introduced. Since then, the Congestion Charge cost has increased by 200 per cent from £5 to its current £15 level.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “The Congestion Charge has been a huge success since its introduction, but we must ensure it is fit for purpose.
“We must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel. That’s why I’m pleased we’re proposing that substantial incentives remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.”
TfL is also planning to consult on changes to the Mayor’s road user charging guidance, which would allow the Congestion Charge to be increased each year in line with tube fares and inflation.
The Congestion Charge is expected to increase revenues by £40million
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PAIzzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Campaigner at climate charity Possible, added: “To tackle the climate crisis, health inequalities, and air pollution, we have to tackle London’s high levels of traffic.
“Getting the balance right on the Congestion Charge discount for EVs means incentivising the switch to electric, while discouraging car journeys that could be taken in a different way.”
She explained that the “bigger picture” is making space for bus lanes, safe cycle paths, and walkable streets, so that we can bring a lower traffic future to life”.
Mr Dance warned that without an increase, there would be roughly 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.
Electric vehicle owners will have to pay the Congestion Charge for the first time
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PATfL will also end the electric car discount for the daily charge, with EV drivers being hit with the fees for the first time.
This marks a fresh blow to EV drivers who have transitioned to greener vehicles as part of the Government’s push for cleaner cars.
Mr Welham explained: “EV drivers will be hit with the charge for the first time, but car drivers will get 25 per cent off and van drivers will get 50 per cent off the daily £18 fee by setting up Auto Pay.
“Petrol and diesel HGV drivers can also benefit from a 50 per cent saving by using Auto Pay.”