Khan confirms EVs will lose congestion charge exemption

SIR Sadiq Khan has been accused by motoring experts of a "backward step" after confirming electric vehicles (EVs) will lose their exemption from the capital's congestion charge.

- By NEIL LANCEFIELD

The Mayor of London, who announced the change will take place from January 2, insisted it is essential the scheme “stays fit for purpose” amid a sharp rise in the number of EVs on the road.

The congestion charge, introduced in 2003, covers an area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

The scheme’s daily fee will rise from £15 to £18 from January 2.

Pure battery-powered EVs are currently eligible for a 100% discount, but from that date this will be reduced to 25% for cars, and 50% for vans and lorries.

The EV discount will be cut further from March 4 2030, to 12.5% for cars and 25% for vans and lorries.

AA president Edmund King urged Sir Sadiq to reverse his decision.