An automatic Congestion Charge reminder which drivers can download to their computers is being launched today.

It puts the driver in control by giving a reminder at a time they choose

It is Transport for London's (TfL) latest move to help drivers avoid running up penalty charges by simply forgetting to pay.

Drivers can customise the message to pop up on computer screens at a specific time on the weekdays when they want it.

It says "Remember to pay the Congestion Charge today" and offers a direct link to the www.cclondon.com website where the charge can be paid immediately.

Malcolm Murray-Clark, TfL Congestion Charging Director, said: "We've progressively introduced changes to make the charge easier to pay, improve awareness of how the scheme operates and help drivers avoid running-up penalty charges by simply forgetting to pay.

"This computer pop-up has been purpose built. It puts the driver in control by giving a reminder at a time they choose and offers a quick route to the website where they can pay."

TfL is also offering a free car tax disc holder to give drivers an in-car reminder. Download the desktop reminder or order a car tax-disk holder.

  • The pop-up reminder can be downloaded directly from the Congestion Charge website www.cclondon.com or by visiting www.tfl.gov.uk and clicking on Congestion Charge.
  • The Congestion Charge reminder car tax disc holder must be requested online.
  • The Mayor recently approved 'pay next day' to help people who forget to pay on the day. This will begin in September 2006.

Changes already introduced to simplify the operation of the scheme and improve understanding of how it works include:

  • an enhanced website
  • frequently asked questions leaflet included with all penalty charge notices to make understanding the process easier
  • an information leaflet is being sent to 36 million households across the UK with DVLA road tax reminders.
  • 15 per cent discount for monthly and annual payments
  • lowering the threshold of the congestion charging fleet scheme from 25 vehicles to 10
  • making the three charging days that fall between Christmas Day and New Year's Day 'non-charging' days
  • extending the SMS text messaging facility
  • allowing payment by additional credit and debit card types
  • removing the financial criteria for the National Health Service patients'
  • making the 100 per cent discount scheme for registered holders of Blue Badges and 90 per cent residents' discount scheme easier to use
  • more petrol stations accepting payment
    photographs of vehicles included on penalty charge notices to make identification easier
  • working with DVLA to identify and remove untaxed vehicles from London's streets