As a courier, it doesn’t take long to realise that congestion charges and ULEZ charges can add up quickly.
Whether you’re doing regular runs through London or picking up loads across multiple cities, you need to know when, where, and how these charges apply.
In this guide, we break down the current rules for congestion charge zones, how much they cost, and which vehicles are affected. We’ll also share tips to help you reduce costs and avoid unnecessary penalties.
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What we’ll cover
How congestion charges and ULEZ work
Most of the UK’s bigger cities now have low or zero-emission zones in place. These are designed to cut air pollution by encouraging cleaner vehicles on the road.
For couriers, that often means paying a daily fee to enter certain parts of the city, especially if you’re driving an older vehicle.
What’s the difference between congestion charges and ULEZ?
The congestion charge is a daily fee for driving in specific areas during set hours, regardless of your vehicle’s emissions. It mainly applies in London and is designed to reduce traffic.
ULEZ charges, on the other hand, apply all day, every day. They only apply if your vehicle doesn’t meet current emissions standards. If it’s compliant, you won’t pay anything.
Some areas also have Clean Air Zones (CAZ), which are slightly different but still target higher-emission vehicles.
Who needs to pay these charges?
If you’re driving a petrol vehicle that doesn’t meet Euro 4 standards or a diesel that doesn’t meet Euro 6, you’ll likely need to pay ULEZ charges.
That includes most cars, vans, and even trucks used for courier work. If you’re still running an older vehicle, it’s worth checking before you enter any regulated area.
The main congestion charge zones in the UK
Several UK cities now have congestion charge zones or other emission-based charges in place.
Let’s look at where they are and what they cost.
London
London has the most well-known congestion charge zone.
It covers a large section of Central London and runs from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and from 12pm to 6pm on weekends.
- Congestion charge: £15 per day
- ULEZ charge: £12.50 per day (if your vehicle isn’t compliant)
- LEZ: Applies to heavier vans and haulage vehicles, with charges starting from £100
You may need to pay one, two, or all three depending on your vehicle and route.
Tip: The official TFL checker is handy for checking your vehicle’s status before navigating London.
Birmingham and Greater Manchester
Both cities operate Clean Air Zones.
- Birmingham: £8 per day for non-compliant cars, vans, and taxis
- Manchester: Plans for a CAZ were paused, but it’s under review
Unlike London, these zones run 24/7, so even late-night deliveries are affected.
Other UK cities with CAZ or ULEZ-style zones
- Bath: £9 per day for non-compliant vans
- Bradford: £9 per day for vans, £50 for buses and HGVs
- Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee: Starting at £60 per breach, doubling with each breach
- Oxford: £10 per day until August 2025, then it’s £20 per day
- Portsmouth: £10 to £50 per day for taxis, private hire vehicles, buses, coaches and HGVs
- Sheffield: £10 per day for taxis and vans, £50 per day for buses and HGVs
- Newcastle & Gateshead: £12.50 per day for vans and HGVs
Each city has its own rules and time allowances. It’s worth checking local authority websites before entering these areas, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the zone.
The true cost of congestion charges for couriers
If you’re working full time in or around regulated zones, the daily charges can quickly bite into your profits.
Daily and monthly cost comparison
Let’s say you’re working five days a week in London using a non-compliant diesel van. You’d be paying:
- £15 per day for the congestion charge
- £12.50 per day for the ULEZ charge
= £27.50 per day
= £137.50 per week
= £550 per month
Over a year, that’s £6,600. That’s money you could be investing in your vehicle or courier fleet.
If you’re only working in and out of cities with no charge zones, you won’t have that overhead. It’s a big difference for owner-drivers starting out.
What load posters need to consider when subcontracting in charge zones
If you’re posting courier loads that pass through congestion charge zones or ULEZ areas, it’s important to factor in those fees from the outset. The last thing you want is a courier turning down the job—or worse, completing it and then disputing payment over extra costs.
Before assigning the job on a platform like Courier Exchange, check whether the pickup or delivery point falls within a charge zone. If it does, include this clearly in the job description. Being upfront about it helps subcontractors price the job correctly and avoids delays or cancellations.
Some shippers build the charge into the job price. Others pay it separately if they’re using regular courier subcontractors. Either way, the cost needs to be accounted for.
If you’re regularly subcontracting work into areas like Central London, it’s worth building a network of ULEZ-compliant hauliers or couriers. That way, you won’t need to factor in extra fees or risk jobs being refused. It also helps avoid last-minute stress when time-critical deliveries are involved.
Being clear and consistent with your load posts can make all the difference. It helps build trust with subcontractors and keeps delivery timelines on track.
How to avoid or reduce ULEZ charges
You can reduce your costs with a bit of planning and the right kit.
- Use route planners that let you avoid charge zones. Google Maps and some courier apps offer this feature.
- Upgrade your vehicle. Modern Euro 6 diesel vans or electric vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges.
- Register for Auto Pay. If you drive in London a lot, TFL’s Auto Pay service can make things easier and stop you forgetting to pay. Courier companies with more than 5 vehicles can use Fleet Auto Pay instead.
Some councils offer grants or support for small businesses upgrading to greener vehicles. It’s worth asking your local authority what’s available.
We’ve also put together a list of vans for couriers that meet current emissions standards. It’s a good place to start if you’re considering a swap.
Congestion charge exemptions for couriers
There aren’t many exemptions for couriers, but a few might apply depending on your circumstances.
You may be eligible for a discount or full exemption if you:
- Drive an electric or hydrogen vehicle
- Drive a vehicle in the “disabled tax class”
- Hold a valid Blue Badge (for personal travel only)
- Use a vehicle built before 1983 (classic vehicles)
Fleet discounts are also available for larger operators. If you’re managing a courier fleet, it’s worth looking into.
Planning ahead: New cities and future expansions
More councils are currently reviewing air quality and consulting on potential new zones. Keeping up to date will help you avoid fines and keep costs in check.
If you’re caught out, fines can add up fast. Some cities issue £120 penalties (reduced to £60 if paid quickly) for failing to pay. And don’t forget, you can also be fined for driving without an MOT, especially in charge zones with automatic plate recognition.
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Frequently asked questions
How much are ULEZ charges for vans?
If your van doesn’t meet Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) standards, you’ll pay £12.50 per day in the ULEZ area. This is in addition to any other charges, like the congestion charge in central London.
Which cities have congestion charge zones?
At the moment, London is the only UK city with a dedicated congestion charge zone. Other cities operate Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones, which focus more on emissions than traffic levels.
Can I get a discount on congestion charges as a courier?
In most cases, couriers don’t qualify for discounts unless you meet specific criteria, such as using a zero-emission vehicle or being part of a larger registered fleet. You can check the official guidance on the TFL and council websites.
Do trucks and HGVs pay ULEZ charges too?
Yes. In fact, they’re also subject to London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Charges for non-compliant trucks start from £100 per day. Other cities may have different rates for HGVs, so always check ahead of time.
How do I check if I’ve entered a congestion charge zone?
Use mapping and courier vehicle tracking tools that alert you to zones or check official local government websites. The TFL vehicle checker is useful if you’re regularly navigating London.
