PHVs and the Congestion Charge

Private hire vehicles are no longer be exempt from paying the Congestion Charge when driving in central London during charging hours (£15 daily charge, 07:00 to 22:00, every day, except Christmas Day (25 December).

Following a consultation, private hire vehicles entering the Congestion Charge zone are no longer exempt from paying the charge.

From June 22 2020, temporary changes have been made to the Congestion Charge scheme to ensure it remains effective in reducing the use of cars in central London.  As a result, private hire vehicles entering the Congestion Charge zone between 07:00 and 22:00, will need to pay the £15 daily charge. See our Congestion Charge page for more information about the charge and how to pay.

Private hire vehicles that are designated as wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) will retain the exemption, but only when carrying out a private hire booking for a TfL-licensed private hire operator.

PHVs are designated as WAVs at the point of the vehicle licensing inspection and this is noted on the vehicle licence.

Cleaner vehicle discount

A phased cleaner vehicle discount was introduced on 8 April 2019, replacing the existing Ultra Low Emission Discount.

To support the Mayor's ambition for zero-emission road transport by 2050, only pure electric vehicles now qualify for the cleaner vehicle discount. This discount will be withdrawn in December 2025.

See more about the cleaner vehicle discount and other discounts that a private hire vehicle might be eligible for on the Discounts and exemptions page.

Paying the Congestion Charge

Find out more about the payment options that are available to you.

For further information on the Congestion Charge, please call 0343 222 2222 (08:00-20:00 Monday to Friday).

Congestion Charge penalty charge notices (PCNs)

If you are required to pay the Congestion Charge and don't do so beforehand or by midnight on the following charging day, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.

Read further details about Congestion Charge penalties and enforcement.

Taxis

Taxis (black cabs) are exempt from paying the Congestion Charge when actively licensed by Transport for London. A vehicle will be removed from the register of exempt vehicles on the surrender, expiry or revocation of the licence.