FineFlip Guide
Forgot to Pay Congestion Charge: What Happens?
Forgetting to pay the London Congestion Charge is one of the most common reasons drivers receive a PCN. The payment deadline is midnight the day after you drove in the zone, and missing it triggers an automatic GBP 160 penalty. This guide explains the timeline, your options, and when you can appeal.
Congestion Charge PCN?
Payment system failures and exemption errors are valid appeal grounds.
Check my appeal freeThe payment timeline
- Before midnight on the day: GBP 15 (standard charge)
- By midnight next day: GBP 17.50 (late payment surcharge)
- After that: PCN of GBP 160 issued automatically
- Pay PCN within 14 days: Reduced to GBP 80
- After 28 days unpaid: Increases to GBP 240
Auto Pay
TfL offers an Auto Pay system that automatically charges your account when your vehicle is detected in the zone. If you drive in London regularly, registering for Auto Pay eliminates the risk of forgetting. There is a GBP 10 annual registration fee but no daily surcharge.
Valid appeal grounds
- TfL website or payment system was down when you tried to pay
- You had already paid but the payment was not processed correctly
- Your vehicle was exempt or registered for a discount that was not applied
- You drove through the zone outside operating hours
- The vehicle was stolen or you were not the driver
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay the Congestion Charge late?
You can pay until midnight the day after you drove in the zone, but a late payment surcharge of GBP 2.50 applies (total GBP 17.50). After that, a PCN is issued.
How much is the fine for not paying?
The PCN is GBP 160, reduced to GBP 80 if paid within 14 days. If you do not pay or appeal within 28 days, it increases to GBP 240.
Can I appeal if I genuinely forgot?
Simply forgetting is not usually a valid appeal ground. However, if TfL's website or payment system was down, you had a medical emergency, or the vehicle was stolen, these are legitimate grounds.