TfL Ref: FOI-0111-2425

Thank you for your request which we received on 10 April 2024, asking for a decision tree for congestion charges.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. 

Unfortunately, we do not hold the information you have requested. There’s no decision tree or chart, so I will try to explain the process instead. 

The Congestion Charge operates through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. As a vehicle enters, leaves, or drives within the zone, during charging hours the registration, along with an image of the vehicle, is recorded by an ANPR camera. At the end of the charge payment period, the list of registrations observed in the zone is compared with the list of vehicles which have had the charge paid, are exempt, or receive a 100% discounted from the charge. Where a match is found the image of the vehicle is deleted. Where no match is found the image is retained for enforcement or Auto Pay purposes. 

If the registration is listed on an active Auto Pay account a charge is put on the account for the day of travel and the image of the vehicle in the zone retained against the account. This is an entirely automated process. 

As per the Auto Pay terms and conditions, we then issue a statement to the account holder detailing what charges are due and when payment will be taken. If the account holder believes the charge has been incorrectly levied on the account, they can review the image and, if necessary, follow the charge dispute process.  

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London