Drivers in London will no longer have to pay for journeys after 6pm, but the daily price of £15 will remain, as will weekend charging, under changes announced by Transport for London.

TfL introduced temporary changes to the Congestion Charge last year, as a condition of the May funding settlement, which included raising the charge from £11.50 and increasing the operating hours to include evenings and weekends.

From 21 February, there will be no charges in the evenings after 6pm, and operating hours on weekends and bank holidays will reduce to 12-6pm.

The charge will also be suspended between Christmas and the first working day of the New Year.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, “The Government insisted on proposals to widen the level and scope of the Congestion Charge last year as a condition of TfL’s emergency funding agreement – which was only needed because of the pandemic and the collapse in fares revenue.

“These new changes strike a balance between reducing traffic and congestion and supporting London’s economy and residents and helping ensure our recovery is a green and sustainable one.

“The removal of the evening charge will support the capital’s culture, hospitality and night-time businesses which have struggled so much, as well as encouraging people to walk, cycle and use public transport. It’s vital we do not encourage a car-led recovery and replace one public health crisis with another due to filthy air.”

(Picture – Yay Images)