The London Congestion charge

The zones for the London Congestion charge have been increased , so its best to check the London Congestion charge map before taking out your rental from London Car hire. If you decide that you wish to take your hire car into central London and the congestion charging zone, firstly you need to know the times and whether the charge is in operation at your time of entering central London, the London congestion charging zone hours of operation are generally 7am until 1800 hrs every day apart from Bank holidays and all of the days between Christmas and New years Day, these are designated non charging days.

Paying the London congestion charge

Once you have checked the map and the times and know that you must pay the London Congestion charges, its best and cheapest to do so on the day of entry, the price goes up if you pay the day after. Congestion charge payment in London may be made on line, by phone or via a designated shop.

Whatever you do with your car rental in London, if you have entered the charging zone, just play it safe and pay the days fee, the alternative is likely to be a a London congestion charging penalty charge notice and you will end up paying £120!!