Pre-registration has opened for the new Congestion Charge Auto Pay account which allow motorists to have a nominated debit or credit card auto-debited every time they enter the Congestion Charge zone.
The scheme, which comes into effect from 4th January, allows drivers to avoid incurring penalties by eliminating the need to remember to pay after entering the zone and Auto Pay account-holders will be eligible for a £1 reduction when the daily fee increases to £10 next year.
There will also be a new Greener Vehicle Discount (GVD) designed to encourage the take-up of cleaner and more CO2 efficient cars which will replace the existing Alternative Fuel Discount which Transport for London says “has been outpaced by technological developments.”
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s transport advisor, said: “The Mayor has been determined to make the Congestion Charge a fairer, easier and more efficient scheme. CC Auto Pay was a manifesto pledge and it means motorists who sign up for it need never be fined again whether they are regular or occasional drivers within the zone. This measure as well as the removal of the unpopular Western Extension and the introduction of the new Greener Vehicle Discount will make the Congestion Charge far fairer for every Londoner.”
Residents in the Western Extension of the Congestion Charge zone face an increase of up to £9.20 per journey as they will lose their entitled to a discount once the extension is abolished in January.
Drivers can pre-register for a CC Auto Pay account at www.cclondon.com