London Congestion Charge for electric vehicles will penalise operators, says Logistics UK

Thursday 29 May 2025

Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation on the Congestion Charge recognises the importance of commercial vehicles to the economy by creating a clear distinction between commercial vehicles and domestic road users, however, the organisation’s Senior Policy Manager - Road Freight Regulation, Chris Yarsley says, the new proposals will still present a significant increase in costs for electric vehicle operators, which currently operate in the capital without facing a charge:

“It is vital TfL incentivise operators to decarbonise fleets and we continue to press for the continued exemption from the charge for electric vans and HGVs. Any increase in charges is a disincentive for operators to serve the capital and congestion charges should be used to encourage road users to use alternative modes of transport – an option that is not available to logistics operators.

“Operators have made significant investments moving to electric vehicles and they simply cannot afford to soak up additional costs so it is likely that any increase in charges will have to be passed on which will ultimately lead to increased prices for the end user.

“London depends on logistics businesses to keep the capital stocked with everything its businesses and consumers rely on every day, and the transition to alternatively fuelled vehicles should be incentivised, not penalised in this way.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk