Motorists have been warned of plans to hike costs for those travelling through the Congestion Charge, as well as the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel tolls.
Transport for London’s new three-year business plan has outlined proposals that could see drivers charged more to use services across the capital over the coming years.
Documents state that the plan “also assumes an annual price increase of RPI+1 from 2027 on Congestion Charge”.
It noted that this would be in line with the assumption that public transport fares would also rise in line with inflation or above.
The Tunnel User Charge will also increase the same way, although the new rates would not count towards the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
This was outlined by Patrick Doig, the new finance chief for Transport for London, who confirmed that the price rises would be introduced from 2027.
This would see prices rise by the Retail Price Index plus one percentage point every year, further hammering drivers.
Mr Doig said this needed to be done to ensure those driving in parts of London saw prices rise in line with annual increases for those using the Tube, bus and rail network.
The Congestion Charge price could increase in price over the coming years
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PA
However, he noted that London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan had the power to impose specific fare increases, rather than a blanket inflation-linked increase.
The RPI+1 fare increase was the “planned assumption”, in accordance with the Government’s June 2025 capital funding settlement, the Standard reported.
Transport for London oversaw price hikes to the Congestion Charge earlier this year and saw thousands of motorists exposed to charges for the first time.
The Congestion Charge now costs drivers £18 if they pay on the day of travel or in advance, a rise of £3 compared to the previous rules.
The SIlvertown and Blackwall tunnels are also likely to increase in price
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PADrivers who fail to pay on time will face a £21 charge if they pay up to three days after travelling through central London.
Residents’ Discount Holders will retain a 90 per cent discount and pay the daily charge of £1.80, although electric vehicle owners are expected to pay for the first time.
TfL announced that it would be scrapping the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which previously gave zero emission vehicle owners a 100 per cent discount.
Instead of a blanket exemption, electric vehicle owners will now pay based on a phased approach.
Sadiq Khan said the recent Congestion Charge price hikes were necessary
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PAElectric cars registered with Auto Pay will receive a 25 per cent discount and pay £13.50 instead of £18, with discounts reducing in the coming years as more petrol and diesel drivers ditch their older vehicles.
Electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles get a 50 per cent discount and will pay £9, but only if they are registered with Auto Pay.
Sir Khan said: “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.”