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The London Congestion Charge and Historic Buses

Many believe that Historic Buses are exempt from payment and therefore may drive through the charging zones without incurring penalty. It is not that simple!

The Congestion Charge applies in Central London 0700 to 1800 Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), 1200 to 1800 Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. The charge does not apply during the period between Christmas Day and New Year Bank Holiday. It covers central London, essentially the area surrounded by (but not including) Tower Bridge – Commercial Street – City Road – Euston Road – Marylebone Road – Park Lane – Vauxhall Bridge Road – New Kent Road – Tower Bridge Road. Please check with the TfL web site (link below) for detail.

The daily charge is £15.00.

All vehicles with 9 or more seats are entitled to 100% discount. Vehicles taxed as “Buses” are automatically discounted but those in other tax classes (such as “Historic”) have to register with Transport for London. There is a fee of £10 to register.

When registering, documentary evidence has to be provided:

  • Copy of the V5C – the DVLA vehicle registration document (“log book”)

You also need to prove that the vehicle has 9 seats or more. You are required to provide a copy of one of the following documents:

  • The vehicle’s MOT certificate
  • The vehicle’s CIF or COIF (Certificate of Initial Fitness)
  • Your insurance document
  • Another proof that shows the number of seats

In the case of historic buses, the last of the above categories is likely to be the only one that can apply as the other documents are unlikely to indicate seating capacity. From experience I have found that the submission of a photograph that a) shows the registration number of the vehicle, and b) demonstrates that the seating capacity exceeds 8, satisfies the requirement.

It should be noted that the discount is not applicable until your application has been processed, so don’t leave planning your trip and applying for discount until the last minute!

At annual renewal you are now required to provide fresh copies of all documentation.

Useful sources

Nothing here should be taken as legal advice! Links are provided to appropriate documentation where possible.

[ Last Updated on October 9, 2023 ]