LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE

Pay for the London Congestion Charge in seconds. Download the app and pay in two taps.

City Charges screen in Caura showing the London Congestion Charge with road sign
Payment success screen for the London Congestion Charge in Caura

Pay the London Congestion Charge with Caura

Sometimes driving into central London can’t be avoided. It might be a last minute meeting or a family trip to a see a West End Show.

If you plan to drive in the zone, pay the London Congestion Charge with Caura before you set off. Open the app, head to city charges and select London Congestion Charge. Pick the day, and pay. Done.

Forget about penalty charges and keep things easy, save your time and money for the things you’d rather spend them on.

What is the London Congestion Charge?

The aim of this charge is simple – to reduce traffic volume and air pollution in central London, improving the flow of traffic and making the city air safer for everyone who breathes it.

London’s Congestion Charge was introduced in 2003.  Since then, traffic in the zone has dropped by 27% according to TfL, with 80,000 fewer cars entering the charging zone each day.

London isn’t the first city to do this. Back in 1975, Singapore started to fine people for driving at busy times. Since then, other major cities around the world –  including Stockholm, Milan, and Copenhagen – have introduced a congestion charge.

London Congestion Charge

What you need to know

It's a daily charge, drivers entering the charging zone during operating hours need to pay once for each day. You can drive in and out multiple times per day, for one single payment.

London Congestion Charge times

The London Congestion Charge operates from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, and 12pm to 6pm on weekends. It’s free on Christmas Day. Cheers to that.

How much is the London Congestion Charge?

Daily charges, payable on each occasion:

  • £15 on the day before or the day of travel
  • £17.50 if you pay the day after travel

Fines for the London Congestion Charge

If you don’t pay the charge within three days of driving in the zone then you’ll be sent a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This is a £160 fine, payable within 28 days. It will be reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days.

If you don’t pay the fine within 28 days,TfL issues a Charge Certificate for 50% more than the original fine. This will increase the fine to £240!

London Congestion Charge exemptions

There are exceptions, and some vehicles will be exempt from paying the Congestion Charge.

Drivers of zero emission vehicles (i.e. electric cars) are fully exempt. Residents of the Congestion Charge zone can apply for a 90% discount for their vehicle, motorbikes are fully exempt, and Blue Badge holders are fully exempt if the vehicle has been registered accordingly. See more exemptions here (LINK)

If you’re not in these categories you will have to pay if you drive into the Congestion Charge Zone between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and 12pm to 6pm on weekends.

Congestion Charge alternatives

The purpose of the charge is to reduce volume of traffic in Central London, and TfL has increased investment in public transport and cycle routes to support this. If you want to avoid the charge your options are -

  • Take the tube or bus, or walk
  • Ride a bike, either your own or one of the many shared bike options (e.g. Santander bikes)
  • Switch to a fully electric car
  • Swap the car for a motorbike or scooter
  • Ride share with friend, to reduce the cost

Pay your clean air charges in seconds

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Top section of the City Charges screen of the Caura app
London Congestion Charge

How much of London does the zone cover?

The Congestion Charge Zone covers most of Central London, roughly a 21 sq km area.

Some of the popular areas within the zone:

  • St. James's
  • St. Pancras
  • Euston
  • Barbican
  • Waterloo
  • Borough
  • City of London
  • Clerkenwell
  • Covent Garden
  • Fitzrovia
  • Charing Cross
  • London Bridge
  • Holborn
  • Finsbury
  • Bloomsbury
  • Soho
  • Mayfair
  • Westminster
  • Parts of Marylebone, Lambeth and Southwark
map of london congestion zone and the road sign

How do I know if I’ve driven into the London Congestion Zone?

There are signs around the perimeter of the zone, and additional signs warn you in plenty of time as you approach the zone.

This is all managed by cameras that scan vehicle number plates and capture your vehicle details, there are no physical barriers and the zone itself is only marked by road signs.

Pay the Congestion Charge with Caura

Caura is the fastest and easiest way to pay the London Congestion Charge. Two taps and you’re done, Congestion Charge paid with no additional service charge or fees.

Downloading the app and getting your car set-up takes a second, then you can benefit from having all your car admin in one place, with quick access to payment receipts in the app.

Automate payments with Caura AutoPay

If you’re a regular in the Congestion Charge zone, you can set up AutoPay directly on Caura. It's free to set-up and means that Caura will take automatic payments each time you drive in the zone.

Caura is the only app you need

Depending on where you go and what kind of car you drive, you may also need to pay the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge or other Clean Air Zone charges.

With Caura, you can pay London’s Congestion Charge and ULEZ charge in one single transaction, and Caura AutoPay covers the ULEZ charge too.

Deal with all payments on Caura and don’t waste time on multiple websites. Stash all the receipts in the app, just in case you need to check back.

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FAQ

Questions?

Find answers to common questions here. If you can't find what you're looking for then email us on support@caura.com and we'll get back to you.

My account
Do I have to sign up to access Caura?

Yes. To enjoy the benefits of Caura, like timely reminders for tax and insurance, and ultrafast city charge and toll payments, you’ll need to create an account. This is so we can let you know about important expiry dates and booking details.

Can I change the email address I use for Caura?

You can’t currently change your email address on Caura (but we are working on it). As a workaround, you can log out of your current account and sign up with a new email address. We won’t be able to transfer the history over.

What happens if I forget my account credentials?

Easily done. Just tap ‘Forgot Password’ on the Log In screen - we’ll send you a password reset link via your registered email address. If you used your Google or Apple profile details (instead of an email address) to create your account, you’ll need to continue to use this sign-in method.

My account has been suspended, why?

Your account may be suspended as a precaution if we see evidence of fraud or a violation of our terms of service. Please email support@caura.com or send us a message in-app, and we can investigate this with you.

How do I delete my account?

Please email support@caura.com or send us a message in-app, and we can take care of that for you. Please feel free to let us know why you want to leave, as we’re always working to improve Caura for drivers like you.

Managing vehicles
How do I add or remove vehicles from my account?

To add a vehicle, simply swipe to the left on your current vehicle or tap the ‘+’ icon on the Home screen. To remove a vehicle, tap and hold on the vehicle image.

My vehicle cannot be found when I add my number plate, why not? 

All vehicles registered with the DVLA should show on Caura. Please make sure you are entering a valid number plate recognised by the DVLA. If the problem persists please email support@caura.com. 

Why can’t I see my updated vehicle details (e.g. tax, MOT) on Caura?

If you have made the update on Caura (e.g. paid for tax on Caura), it should update automatically within a few days. If it doesn't, you can pull down the image of your vehicle from the Home screen, which will refresh the app.

AutoPay
How does Caura AutoPay work? 

Caura AutoPay currently covers London’s city charges. AutoPay lets you automatically pay London’s ULEZ and Congestion Charge. It also covers London’s LEZ for HGVs. When you drive into the charging zones, TfL automatically recognises your vehicle and up to 5 days later they notify us of your journey. We’ll then charge your payment card. No need to pay manually.

How do I set up AutoPay? 

Go to the City Charges screen in-app and tap Complete Setup. Caura AutoPay is free to set up.

How quickly will I be covered by AutoPay?

When you set up AutoPay, you are covered from the day after (i.e. tomorrow). If you went into any of the charging zones on the day you set up, you should pay your charge manually in-app. 

What happens if I want to change my vehicle or reg plate? 

If you’re changing your registration plate (whether it’s for your existing vehicle or a new vehicle), you need to cancel AutoPay and set it up again. To do this, request a cancellation of your current AutoPay in-app. Then to remove your current vehicle reg, press and hold the vehicle image on the home screen. To add a new vehicle, swipe to the left on the home screen. 

What if I need to change my AutoPay payment method?

Go to your AutoPay account in-app (by going to the City Charges screen). From your AutoPay account, tap the current payment method selected. You can then choose to change your payment method tied to your AutoPay, either select an existing payment method or add a new card to Caura. 

How do I cancel AutoPay?

You can request cancellation from the AutoPay account section in-app. When you request a cancellation, we’ll get back to you to confirm your decision. It takes a day for AutoPay to be cancelled. You’ll lose the benefits of AutoPay which include automatic payments when you drive into any London charging zone. Once you cancel, charges may come through for the days prior to cancellation.

If you sell your vehicle, you’ll need to tell us to cancel as AutoPay will remain active, linked to your payment card.

Where can I view my payment receipts in Caura?

You can view any payments you’ve made by going to the History tab in Caura. Tap on any payment in the list to view more detail. From there, you can even export a receipt to your email.

Managing payment methods
How do I add or remove a payment method?

You can add, remove and set your default payment method via the Payment Methods screen, accessed via the Account tab. To remove a payment method, swipe it to the left. To set a payment method as the default option, swipe it to the right.  

What if I need to change my AutoPay payment method?

Go to your AutoPay account in-app (by going to the City Charges screen). From your AutoPay account, tap the current payment method selected. You can then choose to change your payment method tied to your AutoPay, either select an existing payment method or add a new card to Caura. 

City Charges
What is a Clean Air Zone charge?

Clean Air Zones are coming soon to many UK cities, helping our air stay fresh for future generations. All vehicles are allowed in CAZ zones – but if their emissions are above a certain level, they’ll have to pay to pass through. 

You can learn more about different Clean Air Zones and the charges in place here.

Which cities have Clean Air Zones? 

You can find details of all active and planned Clean Air Zones here.

What Clean Air Zones can I pay for on Caura?

Currently, you can pay for Birmingham’s Class D Clean Air Zone charge, as well as the London Ultra Low Emission Zone charge and the Oxford Zero Emission Zone charge, in two-taps on Caura.

We’re working hard to bring more Clean Air Zones to Caura very soon. We’ll notify users via email or in-app notification when new zones launch, as well as communicate this on social media. In the meantime, if there is a charge payment you really want to see on Caura, let us know by emailing support@caura.com (it may just be what we focus on next!). 

What do the different types of Clean Air Zones mean? 

There are four types (class) of Clean Air Zone. The class of Clean Air Zone dictates which vehicles have to pay for entering the zone. 

For each of the class types, the following non-compliant vehicle types have to pay: 

  • Class A: buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles 
  • Class B: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and heavy goods vehicles
  • Class C: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses
  • Class D: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses and cars, and the local authority has the option to include motorcycles too 
How do I know if I have to pay the Clean Air Zone? 

Please refer to the class type of the Clean Air Zone to understand which vehicle types have to pay. 

You will also be able to see exactly what you have to pay for a given Clean Air Zone, based on your vehicle’s type and emissions. 

The Clean Air Zones use ANPR cameras to automatically detect your vehicle when you drive into the charging zone. Look out for signs that clearly indicate the boundary of the zone.

If you try to pay for a charge that you're exempt from then Caura will not process the transaction, and you will not be charged.

What days can I pay the Clean Air Zone charges for on Caura?

Currently, you can pay for either today, tomorrow or yesterday in-app on Caura. Make sure you pay for the right date for any trips you make, as we’re unable to offer a refund for any payments made for the wrong day by mistake.

Does Caura charge an additional fee?

Caura charges no additional fee to pay for any Clean Air Zone, or to make any other transaction via the app. We don’t take any of the money for your payment and once it’s made it goes straight to the end provider. 

What happens if I pay for the wrong day? 

If you’ve paid for the wrong day, unfortunately we aren’t able to offer a refund. We don’t take any of the money for your payment and once it’s made it goes straight to the end provider. We’re unable to recover funds so we aren’t able to offer a refund. If you paid for a charge unnecessarily then you can request a refund from the zone operator, referencing the transaction ID on your payment receipt in the Caura app.

Where can I view my payment receipts in Caura?

You can view any payments you’ve made by going to the History tab in Caura. Tap on any payment in the list to view more detail. From there, you can even export a receipt to your email.

London Ultra Low Emission Zone
What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?

The ULEZ is London's Ultra Low Emissions Zone. It is designed to reduce the number of high-polluting vehicles driving within London. You can learn more about the ULEZ here.

Where is the ULEZ zone?

The new, larger ULEZ zone is 18x larger than the old one (extended in October 2021), and operates inside of the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads. You will not need to pay the ULEZ charge if you drive on the North or South Circular roads.

What times does the ULEZ apply?

The ULEZ zone operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day.

How much does it cost to drive into the ULEZ?

The daily charge is £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3.5 tonnes. 

Heavier vehicles including lorries, buses and coaches will be charged £100 per day. 

The fine for not paying is £160 per day, reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days.

How do I pay the ULEZ charge?

Caura is the fastest way to pay, it takes two seconds via the app, and we charge no additional fee. Getting your car setup on Caura takes less than 30 seconds, and you can manage all your vehicle admin, from tolls to tax, in-app with Caura.

Currently, you can pay for either today, tomorrow or yesterday in-app on Caura. Make sure you pay for the right date for any trips you make, as we’re unable to offer a refund for any payments made for the wrong day by mistake.

Are there any discounts or exemptions?

Caura tells you if your vehicle is exempt from the Congestion or ULEZ charges. Simply select "City Charges" from the Home screen for your vehicle and you'll see any exemptions you have. You can also check if you’re exempt here.

Local residents are no longer exempt, as of October 25th 2021. All historic vehicles are exempt from the charge. 

How do I know if I've driven into the ULEZ, and need to pay?

TfL use ANPR cameras to automatically detect your vehicle when you drive into the ULEZ zone. Look out for signs that clearly indicate the boundary of the zone (between North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads). 

Caura AutoPay is the easiest way to gain peace of mind over whether you need to pay ULEZ or not. 

AutoPay lets you automatically pay London’s ULEZ and Congestion Charge. It also covers London’s LEZ zone for HGVs. When you drive into the charging zones, TfL automatically recognises your vehicle and up to 5 days later they notify us of your journey. We’ll then charge your payment card. No need to worry or pay manually.

Can I use Caura to pay for the Congestion Charge too?

Yes, Caura is the fastest way to pay for the London Congestion Charge, and you can pay for London’s ULEZ and Congestion Charge with the same two-tap transaction.

Can I pay ULEZ for my commercial vehicle with Caura?

Yes, Caura lets any vehicle pay for the London ULEZ charge, including commercial vehicles and HGVs. 

Please note the price of the ULEZ charge can vary depending on vehicle type and emissions standards. 

Why have I got a ULEZ Penalty Charge Notice?

If you have driven into the ULEZ zone and not made a payment for that day, and you are not exempt, you will face a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). 

Here are some other reasons why you may have been fined:

  • You made a payment but it was for the wrong day or vehicle
  • You have an exemption but you have not registered for a 100% discount with TfL
How much is a ULEZ PCN?

Currently all vehicles are liable to the same level of fine, which is £160. If you pay within 14 days of receiving the fine it’s £80, however if you pay after 14 days then you will have to pay the full £160.

How do I pay a ULEZ PCN?

You will need to visit the TfL website and navigate to the 'penalty charges for ULEZ' page.

Does Caura charge an additional fee?

Caura charges no additional fee to pay for the ULEZ charge, or to make any other transaction via the app. We don’t take any of the money for your payment and once it’s made it goes straight to the end provider. 

What happens if I pay for the wrong day, or wrong vehicle? 

If you’ve paid for the wrong day or vehicle, unfortunately we aren’t able to offer a refund. We don’t take any of the money for your payment and once it’s made it goes straight to the end provider (e.g. TfL). We’re unable to recover funds so we aren’t able to offer a refund. However, you can apply to TfL for a refund. You'll need your receipt details, which can be found in the History tab on Caura.

Where can I view my payment receipts in Caura?

You can view any payments you’ve made by going to the History tab in Caura. Tap on any payment in the list to view more detail. From there, you can even export a receipt to your email.

Do I have to pay each time I drive into the zone? 

Each ULEZ charge payment covers you for all your vehicle’s journeys made in the zone for that day. 

Beware of double charging: each day the charge expires at 00:00. Meaning if you drive into the ULEZ zone at 23:59 and leave the next day at 00:01 you all be liable to pay for two ULEZ charges.

London Congestion Charge
What is the Congestion Charge?

The Congestion Charge is a Transport for London fee for driving in central London at certain times of the day. You can learn more about the charge here.

Which part of London is affected by the Congestion Charge zone?

The Congestion Charge zone covers most of central London. You can find a map of the zone here.

What times does the Congestion Charge apply?

The charge applies 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 on weekends and Bank Holidays. 

There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day inclusive. 

How much is the Congestion Charge?

The Congestion Charge costs £15.00 per day if you pay in advance or the same day as your journey through the zone. 

If you pay by midnight the following day the charge is £17.50.

How do I pay for Congestion Charge?

Caura is the fastest way to pay for all London city charges, including the Congestion Charge. You can also pay for London’s ULEZ and Congestion Charges with the same two-tap transaction.

Currently, you can pay for either today, tomorrow or yesterday in-app on Caura. Make sure you pay for the right date for any trips you make, as we’re unable to offer a refund for any payments made for the wrong day by mistake.

Are there any discounts or exemptions?

If you can prove you live in within the Congestion Charge zone, you will be entitled to a 90% residents’ discount. 

The following are exempt from the Congestion Charge altogether, subject to a £10 annual registration fee: 

  • Disabled drivers with a Blue Badge
  • Vehicles that emit 0g/km of CO2 (Fully electric vehicles)
  • Vehicles with nine or more seats
  • Motorised tricycles
  • Roadside recovery vehicles
  • Motorcycle riders do not have to pay the Congestion Charge, or register for exemption.

Follow this link to register for exemption.

Does Caura charge an additional fee?

Caura charges no additional fee to pay for the Congestion Charge, or to make any other transaction via the app. We don’t take any of the money for your payment and once it’s made it goes straight to the end provider. 

What happens if I pay for the wrong day? 

If you’ve paid for the wrong day, unfortunately we aren’t able to offer a refund. We don’t take any of the money for your payment and once it’s made it goes straight to the end provider (e.g. TfL). We’re unable to recover funds so we aren’t able to offer a refund. 

Where can I view my payment receipts in Caura?

You can view any payments you’ve made by going to the History tab in Caura. Tap on any payment in the list to view more detail. From there, you can even export a receipt to your email.

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