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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Congestion charge challenge help

33 replies

Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:43

I have 2 congestion charge notices at £90 each in London, any advice on how to challenge them? I'm not from London and not aware of how to pay for congestion.

Please help

OP posts:
MisoSalmonForLunch · 05/02/2025 10:47

On what grounds would you challenge them? If you actually were driving in the zone then I’m afraid you probably have to pay.

Original poster
Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:49

I'm unaware of congestion charges or how to pay them. It sounds daft but I'm not used to London.

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 05/02/2025 10:51

I am also not from London but I managed to pay these charges as I was supposed to. The large prominent signs and a quick Goggle was very helpful.
Not sure you've got much of a defence there

Original poster
Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:52

Please be kind. Smile

OP posts:
HamandCheeseSandwich · 05/02/2025 10:53

there's TONS of signs before and as you enter - even massive red 'C's on the road as you enter ... and it will tell you how to pay on your PCNs.

you won't be able to challenge it

Original poster
Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:53

I didn't post to be attacked. I was driving on a Sunday - I thought it was Monday-Friday

OP posts:
HamandCheeseSandwich · 05/02/2025 10:55

Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:53

I didn't post to be attacked. I was driving on a Sunday - I thought it was Monday-Friday

Where were you? like which street
When were you there? date and time.

is it definitely congestion? or is it ULEZ?

BaronessEllarawrosaurus · 05/02/2025 10:57

Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:53

I didn't post to be attacked. I was driving on a Sunday - I thought it was Monday-Friday

No it also applies Saturday and Sunday but for a shorter time period

HamandCheeseSandwich · 05/02/2025 10:58

BaronessEllarawrosaurus · 05/02/2025 10:57

No it also applies Saturday and Sunday but for a shorter time period

Show quote history

yes, 12-6pm

HamandCheeseSandwich · 05/02/2025 11:01

They warn you with blue signs sying "congestion charge zone in 1/2 mile"... and inform you white white signs and big red Cs on the roa when you get there...

Unless ALL the signs didn't have the weekend charges on, you've got nothing...
https://www.toptiplondon.com/practical-tips/london-congestion-charge

CleanShirt · 05/02/2025 11:02

Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 10:53

I didn't post to be attacked. I was driving on a Sunday - I thought it was Monday-Friday

There are literally signs everywhere. You won't be able to argue this.

HamandCheeseSandwich · 05/02/2025 11:03

CleanShirt · 05/02/2025 11:02

There are literally signs everywhere. You won't be able to argue this.

Show quote history

yes...they even warn you that you're approaching a Congestion charge zone, and make it abundantly clear with signs and giants red Cs painted on the road.

Also, the PCN will tell OP how to pay ...

Original poster
Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 11:05

One was in Southwark bridge and the other constitution hill

OP posts:
MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 05/02/2025 11:19

There is no defence. You will have to pay the fine.

TheFlis · 05/02/2025 11:22

Ignorance of the law is no defence. The onus is on you to check if the charge is active and how you should pay it. That would literally have taken you seconds to google.

Dbank · 05/02/2025 11:27

Frustrating, but I'm afraid you don't have a valid defence, my advice is to pay the fines immediately.

LuckysDadsHat · 05/02/2025 11:29

Ignorance is no defence in law. You couldn't say "I'm sorry your honour, I didn't know killing someone was illegal, so I should be let off". The same for congestion charge I'm afraid. Take the hit, swear a lot to yourself and you know you will never make the same mistake again.

TrumpWon2024 · 05/02/2025 11:43

You can thank the bastard mayor Genghis Khan for extending the congestion charge to weekends.

theemmadilemma · 05/02/2025 11:54

Unfortunately, in the nicest way, ignorance is no defence to the charges.

As a driver and adult, it is your responsibility to check these things prior to travel.

Pay up before it goes up.

SaltyPig · 05/02/2025 12:35

I know my car is exempt because I'm ill. Not being from London is not a way to get them wiped. Look carefully if you can appeal. If not pay ASAP or they'll go up massively.

LittleRedRidingHoody · 05/02/2025 12:42

You just need to pay them. I'm sorry but you should have checked.

I had to pay one years ago - I took great pains to avoid the zone but was directed through it due to a police road closure. I tried to fight it and ended up paying a bloody fortune as missed the early payment discount.

Original poster
Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 13:06

LuckysDadsHat · 05/02/2025 11:29

Ignorance is no defence in law. You couldn't say "I'm sorry your honour, I didn't know killing someone was illegal, so I should be let off". The same for congestion charge I'm afraid. Take the hit, swear a lot to yourself and you know you will never make the same mistake again.

Haha killing someone's can't be compared

OP posts:
LuckysDadsHat · 05/02/2025 13:21

Mama1026 · 05/02/2025 13:06

Haha killing someone's can't be compared

Show quote history

It can in that ignorance is no defence in law.

You thought you didn't have to pay, sadly you have to, so appealing it to get out of paying will do nothing, except prolong it, potentially increase the fines and get you all angry.

Be the bigger person, pay it, learn the lesson and move on.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 05/02/2025 13:29

You have no grounds to contest. Just suck it up.