TfL to Scrap £10 Congestion Charge Discount for Electric Cars
Transport for London (TfL) has revealed that from Christmas Day 2025, drivers of zero-emission vehicles will lose their £10 annual congestion charge discount. Instead, they’ll pay the full £15 daily charge—just like every other motorist in the capital.
Environmental Groups and Businesses Clash Over New Fee
The move has sparked fury from environmental campaigners and small business bosses alike, while the Green Party backs TfL’s plan. TfL insists the discount was always a temporary fix aimed at tackling London’s choking air pollution and keeping traffic moving smoothly.
Currently, more than 112,000 vehicles, including nearly 16,000 private hire cars, enjoy the discount. The sudden removal is set to hit these drivers hard, especially those running fleets for business.
Critics Slam Move as Environmental Backtrack
Oliver Lord of campaign group Clean Cities called the decision “puzzling,” warning that stripping incentives for electric vehicles could hamper efforts to phase out polluting freight trucks.
Alex Pierce from eco-friendly car firm GoinGreen blasted TfL: “This makes no sense environmentally or economically. Drivers choose electric to save money and hassle entering central London. Without the discount, many will revert to diesel or hybrids, which are worse for the planet.”
The Federation of Small Businesses urged TfL to keep the discount to support those who’ve invested heavily in electric fleets and green infrastructure.
TfL and Greens Defend Policy as Fair and Temporary
A TfL spokesperson pointed out that over 52,000 grants have helped Londoners and businesses switch to cleaner rides, dramatically dropping the number of polluting vehicles on city roads.
Green Party’s Caroline Russell AM stood firm: “If every Londoner switches to electric, congestion will still choke our streets. The real fix is smart, fair road user charging—this discount was never supposed to last forever.”
City Hall Conservatives have kept quiet on the controversy.
What This Means for London’s Roads
This latest shake-up highlights the tricky balancing act TfL faces: rewarding green choices while keeping London moving and tackling ever-growing gridlock and pollution. One thing’s clear—Londoners will soon pay more to drive clean vehicles in the capital’s busy streets.
