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London congestion charge
How to run rings around the charge
From Monday, 17 February, motorists driving into central London will have to pay a £5 congestion charge. But some vehicles, such as motorbikes and some cars using "green" fuels, will be exempt.

Even minibuses will be excused, under a rule that exempts vehicles with nine or more seats - it doesn't matter if those seats are empty.

Avoiding the charge could save you £1,000 a year. But is it worth making the switch? Here are five alternative ways to travel.
LPG 'dual fuel' cars Scooters and motorbikes Electric 'hybrid' cars Bicycles Minibuses
Price   About £1,500 more than petrol models
Refund through govt grant of up to 70%		 £1,200 up + safety gear £17,000 but £1,000 govt grant available £100-£1,000
+ crash helmet		 £20,000
Costs   LPG is 1/2 price of petrol but less efficient
Avg driver will save £500pa
Also road tax savings of £20-£40		 Cheap - at 80mpg for a 50cc scooter and road tax is £15 Better fuel economy means avg £400pa saving
Also road tax savings of £20-£40		 Price of a good breakfast
Puncture repair kit £4		 Poor economy means £1,000pa extra fuel costs
Higher insurance than car
Pros   Cleaner, greener, cheaper to run Cuts journey times by up to 60%
Free parking		 Cleaner, greener, cheaper to run No parking charges
Good exercise		 Always room for one more
Cons   Only 28 refilling sites in London
Re-sale value uncertain		 High accident rate
You get wet		 Resale value uncertain High accident rate
You get hot & sweaty (& wet)
High theft rate		 Ever tried parking one?
Typical users   Popular with fleets and green types Jamie Oliver, Jemma Kidd Earth mothers and fathers Zoe Ball, Jeremy Paxman Community organisers
Register*   Yes (annual £10 fee) No Yes (annual £10 fee) No Yes (no fee)
Extra details   Cars can be converted or bought new
'Dual fuel' combines petrol with LPG		 Must complete Compulsory Basic Training 'Hybrid' means petrol recharges electric motor   MPVs not included - they only seat 8
* Some types of vehicle need to be registered with Transport for London to earn exemption.

Running costs are based on a motorist driving 12,000 miles per year.

Click here for more details about grants for LPG and electric cars.

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