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London Congestion Charge and ULEZ – is my Toyota eligible?

By Toyota Blog
Mirai in the city

Due to a number of changes to the London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the above question has possibly crossed your mind. As the criteria for exemption tightens, so the vehicles that qualify for exemption have altered over the years.

The following is your straightforward guide to the key surcharge zones which are operational with the capital, and whether your Toyota qualifies for exemption.

What is the London Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving a vehicle through central zones of London. These zones are set and monitored by Transport for London, also known as TfL. The charge applies between 0700hrs and 2200hrs every day except Christmas Day.

The charge, together with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (see below), has been introduced to combat traffic and pollution levels in the city.

Is my Toyota eligible for the London Congestion Charge?

Almost all Toyota models sold in the UK are eligible to pay the charge. At the time of writing, certain cars qualify for a Cleaner Vehicle Discount from the charge.

The London Congestion Charge rules changed on 25 October 2021. From that date, only battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles – such as the Mirai – are eligible for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, unless owners are in receipt of another discount or exemption.

For more details of the surcharge, including details of exemptions and discounts, please visit TfL’s official page by clicking here.

What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is area of London within which a toxicity surcharge is applied in addition to the London Congestion Charge. The boundaries of the zone are demarcated by road signs and carriageway markings.

All vehicles driving in central London now need to meet a minimum emission standard, or pay a daily emissions surcharge in addition to the London Congestion Charge. The ULEZ is active 24 hours per day, seven days per week, except Christmas Day.

From 25 October 2021, the existing central London ULEZ expanded to create a single larger zone up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).

Four out of five vehicles on the UK’s roads meet the current ULEZ emissions standards, so do not have to pay this charge. TfL’s website features a ‘check your vehicle’ tool so owners can find out whether their specific vehicle meets the standard. To use that tool, and for more details of the Ultra Low Emission Zone, check out TfL’s page by clicking here.

Mirai London Congestion Charge

Details in this article were correct at the time of publication.

51 comments

    1. Hi Suzanna,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      Your Auris is not exempt from the congestion charge.
      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch and we apologise for the delay in responding. This model is not exempt from congestion charge.

      Reply

    1. Hi Emil,

      Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, this would be congestion charge exempt as the emissions are lower than 75g/km CO2.

      Reply

  5. I have recently purchased a Prius first registered Nov 2009, with it was a congestion charge exemption certificate. Is this still valid?

    Reply

    1. Hi David,

      Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide a registration or VIN number, we will be able to assist you further.

      Reply

    2. Hi Shafiullah,

      Toyota UK does not sell this vehicle, so we have no information on the emissions. Only vehicles that emit 75g/km of Co2 or less and have a minimum 20 mile zero emission capable range will qualify for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount.

      Thanks

      Reply

      1. Sarch. The reg plate is LM07BRV it should be exempt from congestion charge and the ulez I purchased it almost a year ago with limited paperwork

  9. I own a Toyota Prius t spirit on a 2007 reg plate the fuel type is hybrids electric do I qualify for the congestion charge and ilex becouse Tfl info is contradictory.

    Reply

  10. Hi Sarch,

    Thanks for getting in touch. Congestion charge exemption is only for cars that emit 75 g/km CO2 or less and have an electric range of 20 miles or more. Only Prius Plug-in has that, so in this case you will have to pay congestion charge. Your vehicle is exempt from having to pay ULEZ charge though, because it meets Euro 4 emissions standard.

    Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the reply to my Prius I the 07 Reg plate I used to own a limited edition Toyota Corolla liftback with an electric sunroof and allow wheels I need to get the blue print or Vehicle specification an image of the model. My was in an E reg plate but the last Reg was
      Does D
      Plate for sentimental reasons most obliged if you can get in touch with archives etc so they can send me what I want. Thanks. Sarch

      Reply

      1. Hi Sarch,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. Could you please provide us with the reg? We can then look into this for you.

        Thanks.

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