Congestion charge rises to £8

The London congestion charge has risen to £8 as of today, to bring in an extra £45 million to invest in the capital’s transport infrastructure.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “This will build on what has already been achieved in terms of extended bus provision, and in due course providing additional underground capacity.”

In addition to the price increase, fleet vehicles will be required to pay £7 to enter the congestion zone from today. However, there is now a 15 per cent discount available for motorists who pay on a monthly or annual basis.

The centre of economic and business research (cebr) has expressed its doubts over the increase, which Mr Livingstone has said will be the last his current term in office, questioning Transport for London’s claims that an increase will have a “neutral” effect on business.