The operating hours of London’s congestion charge will be reduced on both weekdays and weekends from February next year, it has been announced.
The news was confirmed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) in a statement today.
At current the evening congestion charge operating hours end at 10pm but from February 21st, the congestion charge will revert to its 7am to 6pm operating hours on weekdays. On weekends and bank holidays, the charge will apply from 12pm to 6pm.
The Mayor also announced that the daily levy – which will remain at £15 – will not apply between Christmas day and January 3 – its longest ever festive break.
“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,” London mayor Sadiq Khan said.
He said scrapping the evening charge is in a bid to revive London’s nightlife following the impact of the pandemic.
“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.”
[Image by Matt Rakowski via Shutterstock]