Yes, the London Congestion Charge is suspended for8 days over the festive period, specifically from Christmas Day (25 December) through to the New Year’s Day bank holiday (1 January inclusive), allowing free travel in the zone.
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.
Will the cleaner vehicle discount end on 25 December 2025?
Yes, the 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) for London's Congestion Charge ended on December 25, 2025, meaning electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean cars now pay the full charge, though new tiered discounts for EVs on Auto Pay were introduced from January 2, 2026, offering 25% for electric cars and 50% for electric vans/HGVs, with further reductions planned for 2030 to manage increasing EV numbers.
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.
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Is TfL free on 31st December?
No, Transport for London (TfL) services are generally not free on New Year's Eve (December 31st) anymore, as the tradition of free travel ended after 2019 due to funding issues, though special all-night services still run, requiring payment. While some older sources mention free travel, recent years confirm normal fares apply, but the Tube, buses, DLR, and Overground offer overnight services to help people travel home, so check TfL for specific schedules and station closures.
Is parking free in central London on Christmas Day?
Is parking free on Christmas Day? Metered or pay-and-display parking is usually free on public holidays, including Christmas Day. Make sure to check for roadside parking signs and machines if you are not sure.
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.
Yes, there is public transport on Boxing Day (December 26th) in many places, but it's significantly reduced, often running a limited Sunday or special timetable, with major disruptions like the Elizabeth Line and many National Rail services out of action, so checking specific operator websites (like TfL, National Rail, Stagecoach) for your route is essential, say sources from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, National Rail, and visitlondon.com, BBC, The Independent.
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).
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed the complete shutdown of bus services across the capital for December 25, with a revised timetable in place throughout the festive period.
For the London Congestion Charge, most days have charges (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun & Bank Holidays 12pm-6pm), but it's free between Christmas Day and New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive), plus you can travel free before 7am or after 6pm on weekdays and before 12pm or after 6pm on weekends/holidays, with exemptions for specific vehicles/residents.
Can two cars use the same Blue Badge for congestion at the same time?
The terms and conditions of the Blue Badge discount entitle the badge holder to nominate up to two vehicles to use to travel in or around the central London Congestion Charging scheme.
Can I use my wife's Blue Badge to do her shopping?
No, you generally cannot use your wife's Blue Badge to do her shopping unless she is with you in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, as the badge is strictly for the holder's use and benefit; letting someone else use it to shop for them (even if for the holder's benefit) is misuse, a criminal offense, and can result in fines and badge confiscation.
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.
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.
The Congestion Charge in London applies between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, except between Christmas Day and the New Year's Day bank holiday.
