Congestion Charge

The Congestion Charging zone was extended on February 19 2007 to the west of the capital.

But Where Exactly?

The new area includes;

Bus strike ends at 4am on Wedsnesday

Kensington, North Kensington, South Kensington, Bayswater, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Brompton, Belgravia and Pimlico.

Park Lane, Grosvenor Place and Vauxhall Bridge Road will remain exempt from the charge, acting as a through way and splitting the zone in two.

The road circling the charge zone has been extended and also remain exempt. The new border travels along Grosvenor Road, Chelsea Embankment and Cheyne Walk, then north up Edith Grove, Redcliff Road Earls Court Road Warwick Gardens, Addison Road, Holland Road, West Cross Route and including North Kensington with The Grand Union Canal Acting as the corner boundry.

The route then follows the canal east meeting the Westway and heading just south of Paddington at Bishop's Bridge.

Continuing east along Praed Street and Sussex Gardens, the new boundary meets the old at Edgeware Road.

Still not sure?

If you're still not sure, check out this map of the area.

Living in the area

If you are a resident of the western zone of the congestion charge, or in some cases, if you live on the border you are entitled to a discount. Here's how it works;

• Eligible residents are entitled a 90% discount on the charge.

• You must register as a resident to receive your discount.

• There is a £10 registration fee, but register BEFORE 19 JANUARY 2007 and this fee is waved

• This means that residents need pay just £4 per week instead of the £8 daily charge. A possible saving of up to £36!!

Cheats are getting blue badges

Blue Badge Holders

Blue badge holders are encouraged to apply for a full discount. A £10 registration fee applies, but if you applied before 19th January this fee was waived.

Why, why why?

Transport for London claims the congestion charge has already cut emissions and poured funding into London's transport system. So far the congestion charge has brought about a reduction in congestion of up to 26%.

The speed of traffic has increased from just below three miles per hour when the charge was brought in, to just under 10. The number of accidents, however, has decreased along with lower vehicle emissions.

The director of Congestion Charging, Malcolm Murray-Clark has stated some of the benefits to the new congestion charge zone:

"The extension to the current zone will bring significant benefits to an area of London which is one of the most heavily congested in the UK. Less traffic leads to reduced harmful vehicle emissions, fewer road accidents, faster and more reliable bus journeys and an improved environment – making the extended zone a better place to work, live and visit."

TfL estimates that congestion will be cut by 15-22 per cent with the number of vehicles reduced by 10-15 per cent.

New congestion times

The new extension area operates from 7am to 6pm, knocking half an hour off the current charging time frame. With weekends and public holidays being free, the charge operates Monday to Friday. There will be no charging between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive.

How Much?

The cost of the daily charge will remain at £8, increasing to £10 if paid the day after travel.