Okay, here is where I have to put my responsible adult hat on for a second. While the congestion charge is off, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is still running. That’s a different beast entirely.
ULEZ doesn’t care about public holidays. It cares about your car’s exhaust pipe. So if your old trusty hatchback doesn’t meet the emissions standards, you’ll still get a daily charge of £12.50. It’s like finding out the shop is open but their card machine is broken—annoying, but manageable if you know.
London Congestion Charge to increase 20% to £18 a day next year | This
Always check your vehicle’s compliance online before you set off. It takes two minutes and saves you from a grumpy January letter from TfL.
A little story from last year
My mate Dave—bless him—decided to drive his 2005 van into town on Boxing Day last year. He was buzzing about no congestion charge. He was humming Christmas carols. He parked, enjoyed the day, and came home feeling like a genius. Three weeks later, three ULEZ penalty notices arrived. Ouch.
Dave now calls it his “£225 Christmas gift to the mayor.” Don’t be Dave. Be the person who checks the rules and then enjoys a guilt-free drive.
