Congestion Charge and ULEZ: What Every London Mover Needs to Know
If you're moving to, from, or within central London, there's a good chance your removal van will need to pass through either the Congestion Charge zone or the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Understanding these charges upfront means no surprises on your bill — or on moving day.
The Congestion Charge
What is it?
The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving a vehicle within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) — the area roughly within the Inner Ring Road covering central London, including the City of London, Westminster, and parts of Southwark and Lambeth.
How much is it?
As of 2025, the Congestion Charge is £15 per day for most vehicles, including large removal vans. The charge applies Monday to Friday 7am–6pm and weekends 12pm–6pm. It does not apply on bank holidays.
Which postcodes are in the CCZ?
The Congestion Charge Zone broadly covers:
- EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4 (City of London)
- WC1, WC2 (Holborn, Covent Garden)
- W1 (Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho)
- SW1 (Westminster, Victoria, Pimlico)
- Parts of SE1 (Waterloo, London Bridge area)
You can check the exact zone boundary on the TfL website.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
What is it?
The ULEZ is a zone covering all of Greater London (since August 2023) where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards. Vehicles that don't meet the standards pay a daily charge.
Do removal vans qualify?
Most modern removal vans — those registered after 2016 with Euro 6 diesel engines — meet ULEZ standards and pay nothing. Older vehicles may be subject to the daily charge of £100 for heavy vehicles.
At Fair Price Movers, our entire fleet is ULEZ-compliant — we never charge you extra for ULEZ.
Are These Charges Included in Your Quote?
This is where things can get murky. Some removal companies quote a low base price and then add Congestion Charge and ULEZ as extras on moving day. Always ask explicitly: "Does your quote include the Congestion Charge and ULEZ if applicable?"
At Fair Price Movers, our quotes always include ULEZ (our fleet is fully compliant). For moves within the Congestion Charge Zone during charging hours, we include the charge in our quote if it applies — no moving-day surprises.
How to Reduce Congestion Charge Costs
If your move involves the CCZ, there are a few ways to minimise the charge:
- Move on a Sunday morning: No charge before noon on Sundays
- Move on a bank holiday: No charge on bank holidays
- Start early: Begin outside the charging window and aim to complete the central London element before 7am, though this is rarely practical
- Choose a flat in an area just outside the CCZ: Streets in N1, SE1 (further out), and E1 are nearby without incurring the charge
Parking Suspensions in Central London
Related to the above: if you're moving to or from a property in central London, you'll almost certainly need a parking suspension permit. In Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and the City of London, these can cost £100–£150 per day and take 5–10 working days to arrange. Book your removal company first, then arrange the parking suspension as soon as you have a confirmed date.
Moving in Central London?
Fair Price Movers has extensive experience with central London moves — including the City, Westminster, Kensington, and Southwark. We handle all the logistics, including Congestion Charge, ULEZ, and parking suspensions. Get a free, fully inclusive quote or call us on 020 7101 4364.