London's congestion charge has been in place since 2003 and over the years has expanded across the region.

Now, the charge zone reaches from Kings Cross in the north to Elephant and Castle in the south, Hyde Park Corner in the west and Old Street roundabout to the east.

The congestion charge sees drivers in London pay a daily charge of £15 if they enter the zone between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6pm on the weekends and bank holidays.

While all drivers get free travel on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, some may be exempt from paying the congestion charge altogether.

Transport for London (TfL) shares several ways drivers can be exempt or receive a discount towards the charge.

Enfield Independent: TfL offers both exemptions and discounts towards the chargeTfL offers both exemptions and discounts towards the charge (Image: PA)

Who is exempt from paying the congestion charge in London?

To receive an exemption from paying the congestion charge in London, you have to register with TfL if the vehicle is recorded at the DVLA for the following reasons:

  • Be an NHS vehicle that is exempt from paying vehicle tax
  • Be an emergency service vehicle like an ambulance or fire engine
  • Be a two-wheeled motorbike (and sidecars) and moped
  • Be a vehicle used by disabled people that is exempt from vehicle tax and has a 'disabled' taxation class
  • Be a vehicle  that is used for more than one disabled person that is exempt from vehicle tax and has a 'disabled' taxation class

Other registered vehicles can also be exempt from the congestion charge, including the following:

  • HM Coastguard and Port Authorities
  • Certain operational vehicles used by the London boroughs
  • The armed forces
  • Royal Parks Agency
  • Breakdown organisations

Are Blue Bages exempt from paying the congestion charge?

Blue badge holders can register for a 100% discount towards the congestion charge even if a vehicle is not owned.

Up to two vehicles can be registered, whether your own or one you often travel in within the zone.

You can apply via the TfL website here.

To apply, you will need to provide documents including proof of identity like a passport, driver's license and marriage certificate.

TfL asks that you upload images of the documents or post copies of proof of identity to them.

It is important to note that there is a £10 register charge for the Blue Badge discount and it will need to be renewed ahead of its expiry date.