The Mayor of London has proposed a number of variations to the Scheme in order to make adjustments and improvements to the scheme and its operation.

From 27 October 2008 new CO₂ charges will be introduced designed to:

• Encourage drivers within the charging zone to travel in vehicles which produce lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Discourage the use of vehicles with high CO₂ emissions

The primary aim of Congestion Charging remains to tackle congestion and encourage drivers to shift from private vehicles to public transport, walking and cycling.

Tackling climate change is a key priority for the Mayor. In order to tackle climate change it is necessary to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases which are emitted, of which CO₂ is the most significant.

The majority of cars (around 80 per cent) within the Congestion Charging zone will not be affected by the Variation Order and will continue to pay the £8 standard charge or be eligible to apply for another discount or exemption.

The boundary of the Congestion Charging zone, and charging hours, 7:00 to 18:00 Monday-Friday excluding bank holidays, remain the same.

Key changes

The key changes we will introduce include:

1) A 100 per cent low CO₂ discount for cars that:

• Produce less than 120g/km CO₂ and meet the Euro 4 standard for air pollution emissions or

• Produce no more than 120g/km of CO₂, and appear on the PowerShift register

2) The introduction of a higher charge (£25) for cars and certain pickups with two rows of seats that produce high levels of CO₂. Vehicles liable for this charge are:

• Cars first registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on or after 1 March 2001 that produce above 225g/km of CO₂
• Cars first registered with the DVLA before 1 March 2001 with engines greater than 3,000cc
• Pickups with two rows of seats (extended-cab dual-purpose pickups) with CO₂ emissions of greater than 225g/km or with engines greater than 3,000cc in size

3) The removal of the 90 per cent Residents' Discount from the Congestion Charge for residents who continue to drive cars liable for the CO₂ charge

4) The closure of the 100 per cent Alternative Fuel Discount (AFD) to new registrations, and the phasing out of the AFD by January 2010

5) A change to the NHS reimbursement scheme. We will only reimburse patients travelling in those cars that are liable for the higher charge a maximum of £8, not the full £25

6) The introduction of the Euro V incentive - a time-limited reduced Congestion Charge of £6 for lorries and heavier vans that meet the Euro V standard for air pollution emissions.

Further changes have been made to the way congestion charging operates. Please new charging structure for further information.

Find out your vehicle's CO₂ emission level or engine capacity

There are a number of ways to find out the CO₂ emissions level or engine capacity of your car. For cars registered with the DVLA on or after 1 March 2001, check the vehicle's V5C registration document for its CO₂ emissions level.

If your car was registered with the DVLA before 1 March 2001, the registration document will show its engine size (CO₂ emission level information is not available for cars first registered with the DVLA before 1 March 2001). If you are considering buying a new car, you can check the emissions level at www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk

Used Congestion Charge Except Cars

For a wide range of used and nearly new cars which are congestion charge except, click here.