As the Omicron variant spreads, the situation in terms of Covid-19 restrictions is constantly changing. Our advice is to check the UK government website before you travel.
That said, it doesn’t look likely that any limitations on movement or social gatherings will be imposed in England imminently.
So, if you’re driving into London this Christmas, here’s what you need to know.
Congestion Charge at Christmas
Be selective about your visits to London and you won’t need to pay the Congestion Charge. For starters, you don’t need to pay between 10pm and 7am.
The Congestion Charge will not be in operation on Christmas Day (25 December), but will return on Boxing Day (26 December).
Congestion charge – what you’ll pay
Supposedly to help combat the coronavirus, the Congestion Charge daily fee increased to £15 last year. Transport for London (TfL) also extended the operating hours, removed the weekend exemption and closed the residents’ discount scheme to new applicants.
However, Blue Badge holders remain eligible for a 100 percent discount, as do accredited breakdown vehicles, vehicles with nine or more seats, some motor tricycles and roadside recovery vehicles.
Otherwise, only electric cars and hydrogen fuel-cell cars are exempt from the charge. Their owners must register for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount with Transport for London and pay a £10 admin fee.
Not paying the C-Charge when it is due will incur a fine of £160. If you pay within 14 days of the charge being issued, a 50 percent discount will be granted, reducing the fine to £80.
If the penalty charge is not paid within 28 days, the fine increases to £240.
The ULEZ and Christmas
Recently expanded, the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) now covers the area inside the North Circular and South Circular roads.
It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Most vehicles need to meet the emissions standards or pay a daily charge. Petrol cars registered after 2005 and diesel cars registered after September 2015 should meet the minimum requirements. The cost is £12.50 for cars, motorcycles and vans (up to 3.5 tonnes), or £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries, buses or coaches.
TfL says London’s roads are likely to be busiest between 23 and 27 December.
Click here to read the latest Christmas and New Year travel information for London. The page includes updates on public transport, safe travel and daily travel advice.
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