Is there a free Congestion Charge for Christmas?

Yes, the London Congestion Charge is free over the Christmas period. It is suspended from Christmas Day (25 December) through to the New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive). During this period, you can drive within the zone without paying the daily fee.

Is Congestion Charge free on xmas day?

No, you do not have to pay the London Congestion Charge on Christmas Day; it's suspended from Christmas Day until the New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive), but the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) applies (except on Christmas Day itself). You must still check if your vehicle meets ULEZ standards and pay that separate charge if needed, but the main Congestion Charge is free during this festive period, according to Transport for London and Time Out. 

Is there a Congestion Charge on 27th December?

There is no Congestion Charge on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), 27–31 December and New Year's Day (1st January).

Is parking free in London on Christmas Day?

Yes, parking is generally free in most on-street pay & display and resident bays across London on Christmas Day, but you must still obey all other restrictions like double yellow lines, bus stops, and red routes; enforcement cameras for moving violations are also suspended, but parking enforcement for obstructions (like double yellows) still applies, so always check signs and park considerately as rules vary slightly by borough. 

Who is exempt from paying the London Congestion Charge?

You don't have to pay the Congestion Charge or Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charge or register with us if the vehicle is recorded at the DVLA in one of these categories: Emergency service vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines, which have a taxation class of 'ambulance' or 'fire engine' on the date of travel.

How Do I Pay The London Congestion Charge, And When Does It Apply? - Europe Travel Pros

Is 24th December a bank holiday?

In England and Wales, while Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th) are official bank holidays, December 24th itself does not hold that designation.

Can you drive in bus lanes on Christmas Day in London?

Bus lanes increase journey time reliability and safety for certain vehicles and encourage the use of sustainable modes such as public transport and cycling. The regulations allowing us to enforce bus lanes do not provide for an exemption from the restrictions on Christmas Day.

Is parking free on public holidays in the UK?

You can park for free on bank and public holidays in:

on-street paid parking spaces. shared use bays (where a permit and/or paid parking are both valid) free stay bays (until the maximum stay time)

Why was I charged 17.50 for Congestion Charge?

The £17.50 charge is for paying the London Congestion Charge late, specifically up to three days after travel, acting as a penalty to encourage timely payment, with the standard charge being £15 if paid in advance or on the day; this late payment fee incentivizes drivers to use faster payment methods and avoid potential Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).

How do I avoid paying the London Congestion Charge?

To avoid London's Congestion Charge, travel outside charging hours (weekdays 7am-6pm, weekends & bank holidays 12pm-6pm, no charge Christmas-New Year), use public transport/cycle/walk, drive a fully electric vehicle (registered), or use route planners (like Google Maps) to steer clear of the zone boundary; exemptions and discounts exist for some residents and disabled drivers.

Is there any TfL on Christmas?

No, there are no TfL (Transport for London) services like the Tube, buses, Overground, DLR, or Elizabeth line running on Christmas Day itself (December 25th); it's a complete shutdown for these, though taxis, private hire vehicles, Santander Cycles, and some other options are available, with reduced services on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. 

Can I check to see if I need to pay congestion charge?

Using the congestion charge checker is as easy as entering your number plate. This will tell you whether or not you need to pay the charge. You can also enter a London postcode or address to see if it falls within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ).

How to travel around London on Christmas Day?

When London's trains and buses stop on Christmas Day, the bikes do not. With no Transport for London (TfL) services or National Rail trains running on December 25th, Londoners are set to rely once again on shared e-bikes to get around the capital, according to new data from micromobility operator Lime.

Is parking in London free on Boxing Day?

Parking in London on Boxing Day (a bank holiday) is generally free in many on-street pay & display and resident bays across different boroughs, but it's not universally free, as specific zones (like some in Hammersmith & Fulham, Merton) have restrictions, and rules vary by borough, so you must always check local council websites for specific details. While some areas offer free parking in all CPZs (Controlled Parking Zones) except Christmas Day, others enforce some rules on Boxing Day, especially for resident permits or specific zones, so always look for signs. 

Is it free to drive into London on Christmas Day?

Yes, driving into central London on Christmas Day is generally free from the Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge, as both are suspended for the day (and often between Christmas and New Year's Day). However, the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for heavier vehicles still operates, and some tunnel charges (like Blackwall/Silvertown) might apply, so always check your vehicle's status and TfL's official site for specific details. 

What happens if I accidentally drove in a bus lane?

If you mistakenly drive in a bus lane, especially during operational hours, you'll likely receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), often called a fine, sent to the vehicle's registered keeper, typically enforced by CCTV cameras, with amounts varying by location but often reduced if paid quickly. While it's a common error, especially with confusing signs, it's a civil penalty, not usually criminal, and you might have grounds to appeal if it was truly unavoidable, but generally, it's best to pay or challenge the PCN within the given timeframe to avoid increased charges.

Is there no ULEZ on Christmas Day?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day) to help clear London's air. The zone operates across all London boroughs and the City of London. The M25 is not in the zone.

Is 25th and 26th December a public holiday?

Christmas Day - a day off on the 25th of December. Boxing Day - a day off on the 26th, ideal for leftovers, long walks and naps if you're not working.

Is December 31 a legal holiday?

The holiday also provides an opportunity for workers to take a well-deserved break before returning to their regular routines in January. According to Proclamation No. 727, s. 2024, December 31, 2025, is declared a special (non-working) holiday in the Philippines.

Why is 27th December a bank holiday?

Both Christmas Day and Boxing Day are bank holidays, but as they fall on a weekend in 2027, it means substitute days will be put in place. The Government has now confirmed the dates of those substitute bank holidays as December 27 for Christmas Day and December 28 for Boxing Day.

Can you go into a congestion zone twice in a day?

The daily congestion charge

You only pay once a day. You can drive through multiple charge locations per day or any single charge location multiple times per day.

How to avoid Congestion Charge?

To avoid congestion pricing, use public transport, walk, or cycle; plan trips outside charging hours; use navigation apps with "avoid tolls" enabled; drive exempt vehicles (like motorbikes, emergency vehicles, or certain low-emission/disabled vehicles); or register for specific discounts/exemptions if eligible, while always checking the specific rules for your city (like London or NYC). 

Do electric cars have to pay Congestion Charge in 2025?

From 25th December 2025, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, and thus London Congestion Charge exemption, will end, and electric vehicles will have to start paying the daily charge, currently priced at £15, for driving in Central London.