Home New Tech News Does my Toyota qualify for exemption from the London Congestion Charge?

Does my Toyota qualify for exemption from the London Congestion Charge?

By Toyota Blog

Due to a number of changes to the London Congestion Charge, 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 London Congestion Charge, 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, and applies between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday.

Charges do not apply on the following occasions:

  • Weekends
  • UK public holidays
  • Any time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
  • Any weekday between 18:00 and 07:00

What is the T-Charge?

The T-Charge is a toxicity surcharge that is applied in addition to the London Congestion Charge. Enforced from 23 October 2017, all vehicles driving in central London now need to meet a minimum emission standard, or pay a daily £10.00 emissions surcharge in addition to the London Congestion Charge.

The T-Charge zone is the same as that of the London Congestion Charge and it operates at the same times and days.

What exemptions are available?

Every driver of every vehicle has to pay the London Congestion Charge (and additional T-Charge, if applicable), unless the vehicle has been successfully registered for exemption. All exemptions are awarded at the discretion of Transport for London.

The primary exemption applicable to passenger cars is under the Ultra Low Emissions discount scheme. This can apply to a vehicle that meets all of the following criteria:

  • Combined cycle CO2 emissions of 75g/km or less
  • Plated gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or less
  • Meets or exceeds the Euro 5 air quality standard

Do any Toyota cars qualify for exemption?

Under the current regulations, two Toyota models qualify as Go UItra Low vehicles and are therefore exempt from the London Congestion Charge and T-Charge after approval and registration by Transport for London.

The Toyota models that currently qualify for exemption from the London Congestion Charge are the Toyota Prius Plug-in (opening image) and the Toyota Mirai (below).

When is the next change in qualifying criteria?

On 8 April 2019 an Ultra Low Emission Zone will come into force. Most vehicles will need to meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge when travelling within the zone. These standards will be enforced 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

34 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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