London congestion charge rise to be made permanent

A 30% increase in the daily congestion charge for slot driving into central London will be made permanent under Transport for London (TfL) plans.

TfL had said the rise - from £11.50 to £15 a day - was a temporary measure when it was introduced in June 2020.

It now wants to keep the higher price but reverse the increase in the scheme's hours.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said a public consultation would be held, and urged Londoners to take part.

The charge currently applies between 07:00 BST and 22:00, every day except Christmas Day.

The hours were extended during the pandemic, having previously run from 07:00 to 18:00 only on weekdays.

Under TfL's proposals, the charge would return to those hours, but be payable seven days a week.