From December 25, 2024, Ulez and Congestion Charge fees will be suspended for the holiday season, making travel in London easier for residents and visitors alike.
Ulez and Congestion Charge Suspension : How It Affects You This Holiday Season
By Djamila Lazri
Published on 10 December 2024 18:19
Drivers in London will soon benefit from a temporary suspension of the controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone (ulez) and Congestion Charge fees over the Christmas season. Transport for London (TfL) has announced that these charges will be paused to allow easier travel during the festive period. This decision will give both Londoners and visitors the opportunity to travel around the city without the added expense of these road charges.
Temporary Pause on Congestion Charge
From Wednesday, December 25, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the Congestion Charge will be suspended. This pause includes the daily £15 fee for vehicles using designated central London roads. The suspension will help reduce the financial burden on drivers, particularly during the busy holiday period when many are traveling for leisure or to access shops and events in central London.
Regular operations will restart on Thursday, January 2, 2025, when the Congestion Charge will be reinstated as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Weekends and bank holidays: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A Closer Look At Ulez and Congestion Charge Requirements
Below are the main costs and conditions for vehicles operating in London:
| Zone | Charge | Exemption Date(s) | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congestion Charge | £15/day | December 25 to January 1, 2025 | Vehicles in central London |
| Ulez | £12.50/day | December 25 only | Non-compliant vehicles in M25 |
| Low Emission Zone (Lez) | Varies | No exemptions | Heavy vehicles in Greater London |
Ulez Fees During the Festive Period
While the Ulez typically operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, drivers will receive a one-day exemption on December 25. On this day, vehicles that would normally be charged for entering the Ulez zone will not incur any fees. For all other days during the festive period, the Ulez charge will remain in place, and drivers of non-compliant vehicles will still be required to pay £12.50 if they enter the Ulez zone within the M25 boundary.
In order to improve the quality of the air, Ulez aims to reduce the number of high-emission vehicles in the city. The Ulez charge applies to the vehicles listed below:
- Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized tricycles : Must meet Euro 3 emissions standards.
- Petrol cars, vans, and minibuses : Must meet Euro 4 (NOx) standards.
- Diesel vehicles : Must meet Euro 6 (NOx and PM) standards.
Exemptions apply to larger vehicles such as lorries, buses, and coaches, which are not required to pay the Ulez charge as long as they meet the Low Emission Zone (Lez) requirements.
Impact and Benefits of the Temporary Suspension
The temporary suspension of the Ulez and Congestion Charge is aimed at easing travel for those coming into London for the holidays. By pausing the charges, TfL is allowing for smoother access to the capital’s shopping areas, cultural venues, and other attractions. This could benefit both residents and visitors looking to take advantage of the city's offerings during the festive period.
Benefits at a Glance
- Easier travel : Reduced costs for motorists during peak holiday travel.
- Support for tourism : Encourages visitors to enjoy London's attractions without the financial burden of road charges.
- Environmental focus : The long-term goal of reducing emissions remains a priority, despite the temporary suspension of charges.
Operations After the Festive Period
After the festive period ends, both the Ulez and Congestion Charge will return to their usual operations. The Congestion Charge will be enforced from January 2, 2025, and the Ulez will continue to operate as it has throughout the year. These policies are part of broader efforts by TfL to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality across London, although these charges are periodically reviewed based on public feedback and operational goals.