Do I pay the London congestion charge on bank holidays?

THE London congestion charge has been increased by 30 per cent by Sadiq Khan due to government struggles funding new transport systems.

But do you have to pay the charge on a bank holiday?

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Do I pay a congestion charge in London on bank holidays?

Yes, you do need to pay a congestion charge in London on bank holidays.

The new changes mean that the only day in the year where you don't have to pay the congestion charge is Christmas Day, December 25.

So even on bank holidays, you will need to pay £15 if you drive within the congestion charge zone.

The charge applies from 7am until 10pm, so travelling outside of these hours is free.

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Which areas does the congestion charge zone cover?

The congestion charge area covers zone one on the Transport for London Tube map.

London's congestion charge zone currently covers the following areas:

• St James's
• Waterloo
• Borough
• City of London
• Clerkenwell
• Covent Garden
• Fitzrovia
• Charing Cross
• London Bridge
• Holborn
• Finsbury
• Bloomsbury
• Soho
• Mayfair
• Westminster
• Parts of Marylebone, Lambeth and Southwark.

The congestion charge was introduced in 2003 in a bid to reduce the high levels of traffic in the capital and encourage people to use London's public transport services.

The charge was temporarily waived during lockdown, however, the £11.50 charge was reintroduced as of Monday, May 18, 2020, along with the ultra low emission zone which costs £12.50 for most vehicles and £100 for heavy lorries or coaches.

From June 22, the Congestion Zone charge in London was increased by 30 per cent.

This means the charge is now £15, instead of £11.50.

The hours of the congestion charge were also be extended, covering seven days a week from 7am to 10pm.

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Who can get a discount on the congestion charge?

Motorists can apply for a discount on the congestion charge. These motorists include:

• Residents within the charge zone
• Any blue badge holders
• Breakdown or roadside recovery vehicles
• Ultra-low emission vehicles under 3.5 tonnes that produce under 75g/km of CO2
• Motor tricycles that are one metre or less wide