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.
Details in this article were correct at the time of publication.
Hi,
I just bought a Toyota Prius+, Jan 2020 Registration. I bought it for Private Hire.
Is this car zero emission capable and do I have to pay congestion charge?
Hi Jackson,
Thanks for getting in touch, and thanks for choosing Toyota! Congratulations on your new Prius+ – we hope you’re loving it! Congestion charge exemption only applies to cars that emit less than 50g/km and have an electric range of 70 miles or more. Your vehicle does not meet these criteria.
Taxis are exempt from paying the Congestion Charge when actively licensed with London Taxi and Private Hire (TPH), but private hire vehicles are not exempt from the Congestion Charge. All this information and more can be found on the Government’s congestion charge page: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge
Thanks.
Hi,
I just bought a Toyota Auris hybrid, 2017 Registration. I bought it for Personal use.
Is this car zero emission capable and do I have to pay congestion charge?
Hi Hardeep,
Currently, only vehicles that meet Euro 6 standards (petrol and diesel), that emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum 20 mile zero emission capable range will qualify for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount.
A 2017 Auris Hybrid does not qualify.
Thanks.
Is my toyota auris 2009 exempt from congestion charge
Hi Tina,
Only cars with a CO2 figure of 75 g/km or less that can also travel 20 miles or more on electric only power are exempt.
The 2009 Auris does not meet these conditions, and therefore is not exempt from the congestion charge.
Thanks.
I bought Toyota Auris in 2015 and was free of charge for congestion is hybrid half electric Hal petrol I never got tickets till last week why I got tickets? My car always was not charged
Hi Dorota,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
More information regarding the congestion charge can be found on the TFL website under the ‘Cleaner Vehicle Discount’ tab: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
The rules surrounding this were changed in 2013 and only vehicles that produce 75g/km of CO2 or less, and have an electric only range of at least 20 miles, are exempt. There have also been some changes to the operating hours of the congestion change throughout the lockdown period. These are also detailed on the TFL website.
Thanks.
Hi, I need to know if FN18JZK, Avensis 1.6 diesel business Edition is ulez free please as purchasing .
Hi BalbirSingh,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
We’ve checked on the TFL website, and there is no ULEZ charge applicable for this vehicle.
You can confirm this yourself by inputting the registration plate on this link: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle-35896
Thanks.
Does my Toyota Prius 63 plate hybrid is exempt from congestion charge
Hi Solomon,
Currently, only vehicles that meet Euro 6 standards (petrol and diesel), that emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum 20 mile zero emission capable range qualify for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount, paying no congestion charge. This means your vehicle is not exempt from congestion charge. More info here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
Thanks
I have a Toyota CHR hybrid and a disabled badge do I have to pay congestion charge?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
The C-HR hybrid on its own is not exempt from the Congestion Charge.
However, Blue Badge holders are eligible to register for a discount. Further information can be found on the Government website: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions.
Thanks.
Hi I have Toyota Prius 2018 model ln18 kuc is that exempt from pay cc?
Hi Ali,
Thank you for getting in touch.
Currently, only vehicles that meet Euro 6 standards (petrol and diesel), that emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum 20 mile zero emission capable range qualify for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount, paying no congestion charge. This means your vehicle is not exempt from congestion charge.
You can find more information here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions.
Thanks.
If I buy a new Prius plug – in will it be exempt from Dart charge or CC
Hi Martin,
Thanks you for your interest in the Prius Plug-in!
From 25 October 2021, only battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles will be eligible for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
This means the Prius Plug-in will incur the daily surcharge, unless owners are in receipt of another discount or exemption.
Furthermore, no vehicle is exempt from the Dartford Crossing charge.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
I purchased on please a Toyota agyo 2019 and live in Chiswick will I be affected
Hi Kulwant,
Thanks for your comment and congratulations on your new Aygo.
Information on this can be found on the Government’s congestion charge page here – https://fal.cn/3iwd2
Thanks.