Congestion Charge, ULEZ & Dartford Crossing Charge

Renting with Zipcar gives you access to lots of added inclusions such as reduced congestion charge fee, ULEZ compliant vehicles and includes the DART Charge. We've summarized the details of the zones and everything you need to know when travelling through them in your Zipcar.

Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ)

The London Congestion Charge applies to drive vehicles travelling within the designated zone between 07:00 and 22:00, seven days a week and is currently £15.00.

Planning your trip? Find more information about the London Congestion Charge and the zone boundaries here.

If you’re about to enter the congestion charge you will see big signs, like below, alerting you to the fact you’re entering the zone. As part of your rental you will be charged a reduced fee for entering the zone during the charging period. It's worth remembering that Electric Vehicles are still exempt from the charge, so even more reasons to drive electric.

congestion charge sign

The congestion charge applies Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The only day the charge is not in place is Christmas Day. No matter what day of the week, it will always be free on Christmas day.

Ultra Low Emissions Zone - ULEZ

The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) has expanded 3 times since it launch, with it's most recent expansion to all London boroughs on 29 August 2023. The move brought more residential areas into the zone, so it's useful to know about the zone and the impact it can have.

Ulez sign

The fee applies to the below vehicles. The Euro emissions standards may be listed in section D.2 of your vehicle log book (V5C), but you can all check your vehicle on the TfL vehicle checker.

Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles

All of our vehicles are ULEZ compliant, but if you’re not using a Zipcar you will need to ensure your vehicle meets the standards otherwise you will incur further charges. The ULEZ covers all areas within the North and South Circular roads.

Dartford Crossing Charge (DART Charge)

Connecting Kent & Essex the Dartford Crossing is the last river crossing of the Thames before it enters the North Sea. The Dartford Crossing Charge (Dart charge) is included in your reservation cost. If you think you have paid for the Dartford Charge in error, you can contact them by clicking here.

Why Rent a Zipcar?

Save money

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Rent a car locally

Zipcars live just around the corner. We've got thousands of cars and vans near where you live and work.

Drive on-demand

Rent by the minute, hour or day when and where you need them. Just book and unlock with the app.

Live greener

Cheaper and greener than owning your own car, we've also got hundreds of electric cars in our fleet.

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