Calls for TfL to Retain Congestion Charge exemption for Vans
Transport for London (TfL) is coming under pressure to reconsider plans to scrap the long-serving exemption for electric vans and cars to enter Congestion Charge zones in London.
Under new proposals, the 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount will be axed on 25 December 2025 and replaced by a new discount scheme of 25 per cent for electric cars and 50 per cent for electric vans.
However, the decision has been met with criticism from green campaigners who believe scrapping the exemption will remove a major incentive for drivers in the UK capital city to go electric with their next vehicle.
Elly Baker, Labour’s City Hall spokesperson for transport, says it would be ‘counter-productive’ to introduce costly barriers for potential EV converts, not least because of their significant premium demanded in purchasing an electric model over an ICE-equipped one.
Ms Baker feels the changes will have a major impact on small businesses that rely on vans to enter the 8.1-mile square mile congestion charge zone to conduct their profession.
In a letter to TfL, she said: “Businesses need deliveries, as do hospitals and schools. Small businesses such as electricians and plumbs still need to enter the Congestion Charge zone to work.
“If we want Londoners to switch to cleaner vehicles, we should be making it easier, not harder.”
The decision to remove the Congestion Charge exemption for electric models comes as part of wider changes to tariffs that will see charges for ICE models rise from £15 to £18.
It is electric models that will see the biggest hike, however, as TfL shifts its focus away from managing pollution in the capital city to easing congestion.
It is hoped across the board tariffs – which are tipped to raise £40 million for the capital in 2026 - will reduce the pressure on the capital city’s roads.
In response to opposition from Ms Baker, a spokesperson countered that TfL announced in December 2018 of its plans.
“Without the changes proposed, the Congestion Charge would become less effective, with an estimated additional 2,200 vehicle in the zone on an average weekday.
“We are proposing a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount for those who do not need to drive so they can still benefit from a discount if they drive an electric vehicle.”
How Much Will It Cost to Drive An Electric Van in London?
While the rise in electric car sales has been used to justify an increase in the congestion charge, the proposals will have arguably a greater impact on van drivers.
Sales of electric vans have remained sluggish and while the EV van sector is posting annual growths, battery-powered vehicles still only account for 8% of all van sales. It is a figure that threatens to scupper the UK government’s bid to become a net zero nation by 2030.
It goes some way to explaining why those who have invested in an electric van are being offered a discount.
However, the potential £9 fee would still amount to an extra £2,277 in annual running costs based on the average 253 working days in a year should you commute into London city centre on each of them.
