London congestion charge will be suspended over Christmas - here's when it will return
The Congestion Charge will be suspended across central London this Christmas, with TfL confirming exactly when the fee will pause and resume.
London drivers will get a brief festive free pass this year, as Transport for London (TfL) confirms the Congestion Charge will be suspended across central London from Thursday 25 December to Thursday 1 January.
The annual pause has been introduced to make Christmas travel easier for residents, visitors and workers heading into the city for shopping, festive events, theatre trips and New Year celebrations.
It also reflects the reduced traffic levels typically seen in central London over the Christmas period.
The Congestion Charge, which is usually £15 a day for drivers entering the zone between 7am and 6pm, will resume as usual on Friday, 2 January 2026.
While drivers may welcome the festive break, TfL is reminding Londoners that other road charges remain in place.
Does it affect the ULEZ charge?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) continues to operate as normal every day, including Christmas Day, covering most of Greater London.
Charges for the Blackwall Tunnel and the new Silvertown Tunnel will also apply throughout the festive period, except on Christmas Day.
TfL says the Congestion Charge suspension aims to reduce pressure on public transport and help people travel more easily during a time when many are out visiting family, shopping in the West End, or attending Christmas attractions such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Drivers are still advised to plan ahead, as engineering works and road closures — particularly around the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks — may lead to diversions and bus reroutes.
A TfL spokesperson said the break is intended to “support Londoners through one of the busiest and most joyful times of the year while ensuring the road network continues to run safely and smoothly.”
For those planning to drive over Christmas, TfL’s message is simple: enjoy the pause, check your route, and remember the charges snap back into place on 2 January.