Got a Congestion Charge Ticket? Here's How to Fight and Beat It

London’s roads are tricky enough without surprise fines. But for many drivers, that’s exactly what happens: a letter from Transport for London (TfL) drops through the door, warning that you’ve been fined up to £160 for missing the Congestion Charge.

It’s stressful — and confusing. Was it ULEZ? Congestion? What’s the difference? Can you fight it?

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Congestion Charge is, why you may have been fined, and how to challenge it — especially if you believe it was a mistake.

🧾 What Is the Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is a fee for driving in central London between:

🕒 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday 🕒 12pm to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays

The daily charge is £15, and you must pay by midnight the next day. You can pay online via TfL, by phone, or set up Auto Pay.

🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Charge?

If you don’t pay on time, TfL will issue a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) of:

• £160 (reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days)

• You’ll receive the fine by post, usually within a few days

But many of these fines are can be unfairly issued due to:

• System glitches

• Mistakes in Auto Pay or vehicle registration

• New visitors misunderstanding the rules

• Crossing into the zone briefly by accident

• Being confused by ULEZ vs Congestion

⚠️ Common Reasons People Are Fined Unfairly

Even careful drivers get caught out. Here’s why:

• You thought your Auto Pay was set up, but it wasn’t

• You paid the ULEZ, thinking that covered everything (it doesn’t)

• You were using a hire or lease car, and the charge didn’t register

• You drove in late at night or during a public event when the zone rules changed

• You had a medical emergency, funeral, or unavoidable reason for entering

🧠 Can You Appeal a Congestion Charge Fine?

Yes — and many people succeed.

TfL has a formal appeal process. You can challenge your penalty if:

• You never received the original PCN

• You paid the charge, but TfL didn’t record it

• You had a valid exemption (NHS, Blue Badge, breakdown)

• You entered the zone unintentionally and left quickly

• It was a first-time offence and you’re normally compliant

• You had an emergency or critical reason to travel

TfL does sometimes cancel PCNs, especially for first-time or honest mistakes with proof.

📝 How to Appeal a TfL Congestion Charge Fine

1. Go to the TfL Penalty Portal

2. Enter your PCN number and vehicle reg

3. Submit your challenge — and include supporting evidence like:

   • Payment proof (bank statements, app screenshots)

   • Medical or emergency documents

   • Auto Pay account confirmation

   • Screenshots of misleading signage (if relevant)

🤖 Don’t Know What to Say? Let Resolvo Build the Appeal for You — Free

TfL doesn’t make the appeal process easy — especially if you don’t know how to phrase things or which exemption to mention.

That’s where Resolvo helps.

What Resolvo Does:

• Asks you a few quick questions

• Understands your situation (and if you’re eligible to appeal)

• Writes a professional appeal letter for you — using up-to-date TfL rules

• 100% free, no login, and takes under 2 minutes

Start your appeal now with Resolvo

💬 FAQs About London Congestion Charge Penalties

1. Is the Congestion Charge the same as ULEZ?

No — they are separate charges. You may need to pay one, both, or neither depending on your vehicle, location, and time of travel.

2.. How much is the fine?

The penalty is £160, but it’s reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days.

🚦 Why Does London Have a Congestion Charge?

Introduced in February 2003, the London Congestion Charge aims to

• Reduce traffic congestion: By discouraging unnecessary car journeys in central London during peak hours.

• Improve air quality: Lower vehicle emissions contribute to better health outcomes.

• Encourage public transport use: Incentivizing alternatives like buses, trains, cycling, and walking.

• Generate revenue: Funds collected are reinvested into London's transport infrastructure

The charge has led to a significant decrease in traffic volumes and emissions in central London. Additionally, it has contributed to a reduction in traffic collisions, enhancing overall road safety.

📊 How Many People Are Fined for Congestion Charge Non-Payment?

Transport for London (TfL) issues Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers who fail to pay the Congestion Charge. While exact annual figures fluctuate, it's estimated that hundreds of thousands of PCNs are issued each year. These fines can amount to £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. Common reasons for fines include:

• Forgetting to pay the charge on time.

• Misunderstanding the boundaries of the Congestion Charge Zone.

• Assuming that payment for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers the Congestion Charge.

• Technical issues with Auto Pay systems.

It's crucial to understand the specific requirements and ensure timely payment to avoid penalties.

🔄 Upcoming Changes: Impact on Electric Vehicle (EV) Drivers

Currently, electric and hydrogen-fueled vehicles benefit from exemptions under the Cleaner Vehicle Discount. However, starting 25 December 2025, these exemptions will end, requiring all drivers, regardless of vehicle type, to pay the £15 daily Congestion Charge. This change aims to further reduce traffic congestion by eliminating incentives that may encourage additional vehicle use in central London.

📝 Need Help Appealing a Congestion Charge Fine?

If you've received a PCN and believe it was issued in error, you have the right to appeal.

Resolvo can assist by generating a tailored appeal letter based on your specific circumstances, helping you challenge the fine effectively.