T-Charge
In order to comply with the minimum Euro Emissions Standards, London for Transport have introduced the new T-charge, also known as the Emissions Surcharge whereby older cars (which do not meet the Euro minimum vehicle emissions standard), are charged an extra £10 on top of the congestion charge of £11.50 per day, although historic tax charged cars and commercials manufactured before 1973 are exempt. However, vehicles which have exemptions on their congestion charge, will in most cases , have the same exemptions on their T-charge.
Drivers of vehicles which do not meet the Euro emissions standards will have until midnight on the following charging day to pay their congestion and T-charge which may be paid together. Failure to pay will result in a penalty charge (PCN) of £130 which is reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days. If you do not pay within 28 days, a 50% surcharge is added to the penalty, called a charge certificate, increasing the fine to £195. You can of course challenge the PCN.
With this in mind, should you enter the congestion charge zone in London 5 days per week and do not warrant any discounts or exemptions, your weekly charge for entering for work purposes (5 days for the week) is £107.50. Your weekly extra charge for work purposes with an older car would be £50 and should you work 4 weeks that month, your charge would be a further £200. For this kind of money you would be able to afford, for example, one of our current offers, a brand new Skoda Octavia 1L TSi SE Technology Manual on business or personal contract hire from £135.66 + VAT. Even if you only go into London for a few days per week, you may find it less expensive to change your vehicle for a newer version, or even get a ultra-low emission vehicle e.g. electric and stop paying the congestion charge and T-charge altogether.
For more information, contact one of our brokers, Paul, Phil or Lawrence for an informal chat.