Almost half of motorists back congestion charges for EVs ahead of key TfL consultation deadline.
With the deadline for Transport for London’s (TfL) public consultation on congestion charge proposals approaching on 11th August, research by Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that almost half (48%) of motorists believe electric vehicles (EVs) should no longer be exempt from the charge.
Meanwhile as cities across the UK target carbon neutrality by 2030, 41% of motorists said they would be more likely to buy an EV if a clean vehicle tax meant they avoided paying as much in congestion charges. These insights signal growing support for cleaner transport solutions and reinforce the business case for companies as they transition their fleets towards electric vehicles.
Despite this encouraging leaning towards greener transport, however, Venson’s research also highlights demographic differences, with older motorists revealing negative perceptions. Over a third (35%) of younger EV drivers aged from 18-34 said they would be happy to pay the congestion charge for EVs, but only 6% of EV drivers aged 55+ agreed. Young drivers are also more accepting of TfL’s proposed 20% hike in the daily congestion charge fee. Under a third (32%) of those aged 18-34 don’t think the congestion charge should rise but 79% of older motorists aged 55+ are against the increase.
Looking to the future, the fact that young drivers seem more accepting of policy shifts, designed to boost environmental wellbeing, can only be a good thing. Meanwhile, as fleet operators increasingly turn towards mobility solutions to meet corporate sustainability targets, nearly a third of motorists (30%), say they would look to use public transport to get in and out of the cities they visit as congestion charges are implemented more widely.
TfL estimates that next year alone 2,200 more vehicles would use the Congestion Charging Zone on an average weekday during charging hours. Its proposed changes – which includes charging EVs but with discounts – aim to help keep London moving, encourage the uptake of electric vehicles and promote sustainable travel across the capital.
From January 2, 2026, there would be a 50% discount for electric vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay, alongside a 25% discount for electric cars also registered for Auto Pay. Then from March 4, 2030, this would be reduced to a 25% discount for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles, and a 12.5% discount for electric cars, registered for Auto Pay.
Comments Simon Staton, Client Management Director, Venson Automotive Solutions, “As more cities across the UK introduce congestion charging zones fleets are facing additional financial pressure. To encourage EV adoption fee structures will need to be updated to include them.”
“While no-one ever welcomes price increases, the 100% discount for EVs was never intended to be permanent. It’s encouraging that TfL is continuing to give discounts to EVs registered with AutoPay and even more promising to see from our research so many drivers encouraged to adopt cleaner vehicles to help reduce their own city charges. Behavioural shifts like these are essential if we want to progress to more efficient and sustainable mobility in our cities.”