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Auto Express
16 hours ago
- Business
- Auto Express
London Congestion Charge: map, times, exemptions and full details
If you plan on taking your car into central London, then you might need to pay the London Congestion Charge. This is a £15 daily fee, which applies when you drive into certain parts of London, but not all car drivers have to pay. Below we outline everything you need to know about the London Congestion Charge, how much it costs and how to pay, where the charge operates and the penalties for not paying it. Before we go any further, it's important to note that the London Congestion Charge is separate to the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which has its own rules, charges and penalties. Here we explain everything you need to know about the C-Charge. The London Congestion Charge zone covers eight square miles in the centre of the city, bounded by Euston Road and Marylebone Road in the north, Tower Bridge Road and Commercial Street in the east, Elephant and Castle and New Kent Road in the south, and Park Lane and Edgware Road in the west. Advertisement - Article continues below The Congestion Charge scheme is enforced by Transport for London (TfL), and is separate to the ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission Zone) which currently operates across all London boroughs within the M25. The roads within the Congestion Charge zone are monitored by a network of Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Below is a map of the congestion charge zone. You can find out if a specific address is in the congestion charge zone by inputting the postcode on the TfL website. The London Congestion Charge applies to all vehicles that enter the zone between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays. The charge does not apply between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Motorists who drive into the London Congestion Charge Zone must pay £15 daily if they enter the zone during the times stated above. The £15 fee applies to those who pay the charge in advance, or by midnight on the day they enter the zone. If you haven't paid by this time, you will have until midnight on the third day after you travelled in the zone, but the fee will rise to £17.50. Transport for London has revealed proposals to increase the daily Congestion Charge to £18, although this new higher price won't come into effect until January 2026 if it goes ahead. Advertisement - Article continues below Some drivers and vehicles are eligible for exemptions or discounts, which we explain in detail further down this page. If you plan on driving into the London Congestion Charge zone, there are a few different ways you can pay. These include via an Auto Pay account, online, over the phone or in person at paypoints and blue and red self-service machines. You can pay the Congestion Charge up to 90 days in advance of entering the zone. If you regularly drive into central London during the Congestion Charge's hours of operation, you can set up an Auto Pay account via TfL's website. Using this service will also allow you to pay the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge as well as for the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels at the same time if applicable. You can also manually pay the Congestion Charge on the TfL website, or by using TfL's official 'Pay to drive in London' app. Simply enter your vehicle's registration number, search for your vehicle and select the zones which apply. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below There are some third-party websites that claim to assist with payments, however these are not recommended due to a large number of fakes and scams. If you don't want to set up an Auto Pay account or don't feel comfortable paying the Congestion Charge online, you can pay over the phone by calling 0343 222 2222. Drivers with impaired hearing can call 020 7649 9123. Advertisement - Article continues below Phone lines are open between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. It's possible to pay the Congestion Charge at newsagents and petrol stations that can process payments. These shops usually have the red 'C' logo in the window. There are also red and blue self-service machines dotted around the Congestion Charge zone. If you drive a combustion-engined car, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, you will have to pay the Congestion Charge if you drive into central London during its hours of operation. All alternatively fuelled vehicles used to be exempt from the Congestion Charge but, since 25 October 2021, only zero-emission vehicles – such as electric cars and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles – have been exempt from the Congestion Charge. From 25 December 2025, however, even drivers of zero-emission cars will be required to pay the £15 daily charge. There are a number of exemptions and discounts on the Congestion Charge that are available to a selection of different vehicles and drivers. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Residents' discount Those who live within the Congestion Charge Zone are eligible for a 90 per cent discount if they can provide proof of their permanent address and are on an appropriate local electoral register. Permitted vehicles can be owned, leased or company cars. Rental and car-share scheme vehicles are also allowed if they are occasionally used. Simply apply online and provide TfL with a relevant utility bill and a copy of your V5C logbook. Advertisement - Article continues below Vehicles with nine seats or more If your vehicle has nine seats or more then it is eligible for a 100 per cent discount, but it must not be licensed for use as a bus. You will need to show TfL several documents, including the V5C vehicle log book and MoT certificate, in order to register the vehicle. Cleaner vehicle discount Until 25 December 2025, fully electric and fuel cell vehicles are eligible for the cleaner vehicle discount. After this date the discount will be discontinued, but for now these vehicles don't need to pay the Congestion Charge once they are registered with TfL. You will need to show the car's V5C document, which must state that the car is battery or hydrogen fuel-cell powered. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Blue Badge holders Anyone who holds a Blue Badge in the European Economic Area is eligible for a 100 per cent Congestion Charge discount, even if they don't drive or own a vehicle. Up to two vehicles can be registered for one person, provided that they are normally used by that person to travel within the zone. Along with a valid Blue Badge, one other document must be provided to prove your identity, such as a passport or recent DSS benefit entitlement letter. Advertisement - Article continues below Other Congestion Charge discounts Other vehicles that are eligible for discounts include accredited breakdown vehicles, roadside recovery vehicles and motor tricycles. You don't have to pay the London Congestion Charge if the vehicle is registered with the DVLA as one of the following: Tax-exempt vehicles used by disabled people, including vehicles for more than one disabled person (Dial-A-Ride, for example). A motorbike or moped, including those with a sidecar. Tax-exempt NHS vehicles, emergency service vehicles including HM Coastguard and Royal Parks Agency. Vehicles used by the Armed Forces are also exempt. Licensed taxis and buses, provided they meet the necessary criteria. If you haven't paid the Congestion Charge by midnight on the third day after travelling in the zone, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below If you are issued with a PCN, this will be for £180. However, TfL will reduce the charge to £90 if it is paid within 14 days of the date of issue. If you fail to pay or appeal the PCN within 28 days, you will then be sent a £270 Charge Certificate. If you then fail to pay the Charge Certificate within 14 days, or make a Statutory Declaration, you will be faced with an Order for Recovery. Advertisement - Article continues below An Order for Recovery is different from a County Court Judgement (CCJ) and it won't affect your credit score, but it will be classed as an unpaid debt. This means it will incur additional fees. You will have 21 days to pay the total amount. If you still haven't paid after the Order for Recovery's payment window closes, TfL will then bring in enforcement agents or bailiffs to recover all outstanding debt. If you wish to pay or appeal a Congestion Charge fine, you can do this via the TfL website or send it in writing. More information can be found on TfL's enforcement process web page. If you're buying a used vehicle and you want to check to see if it has outstanding Congestion Charge fines you can email TfL at OutstandingCCPenaltyCharges@ 2003 – Congestion Charge introduced by Mayor Ken Livingstone with a fee of £5 for car drivers. In 2013, he admitted: 'It turned out better than I expected.' – Congestion Charge introduced by Mayor Ken Livingstone with a fee of £5 for car drivers. In 2013, he admitted: 'It turned out better than I expected.' 2007 – The C-charge zone was extended further into west London. This was subsequently scrapped by then-Mayor Boris Johnson in 2011. – The C-charge zone was extended further into west London. This was subsequently scrapped by then-Mayor Boris Johnson in 2011. 2017 – A supplementary Toxicity Charge was introduced with an additional charge for higher-polluting vehicles. This became the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019. – A supplementary Toxicity Charge was introduced with an additional charge for higher-polluting vehicles. This became the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019. 2020-2021 – As Covid-related lockdowns hit, the C-Charge was initially suspended to help key workers, before being reintroduced, with extended hours and higher prices, as TfL tried to recoup lost revenues. – As Covid-related lockdowns hit, the C-Charge was initially suspended to help key workers, before being reintroduced, with extended hours and higher prices, as TfL tried to recoup lost revenues. 2025 – Electric cars will no longer be exempt from the Congestion Charge as of 25 December. 17 February 2003 was a pivotal day for motorists in the UK, marking the first time they were asked to pay for the privilege of driving into the centre of one of our major cities. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below London's Congestion Charge divided opinion at the time, and over two decades later, it remains hugely polarising. Advocates claim the scheme plays a key role in trying to shift attitudes towards transport in our capital city. Critics, of which there are many, argue it is little more than an unfair tax on motorists that has delivered few tangible benefits. Christina Calderato, director of transport strategy and policy at Transport for London, which is responsible for the charge, is unequivocal that it has been a success. 'When it was originally implemented, you saw the impacts of it happening overnight and then those impacts embedded,' she says. 'So immediately, we saw a 15 per cent reduction in circulating traffic and a 30 per cent reduction in congestion. Over time that has been maintained.' She acknowledges a central aim is to 'disincentivise' people from driving, but dismisses the accusation that revenue raising lies at the heart of the C-charge. 'It's a policy-based scheme,' Calderato continues. 'The current MTS [Mayor's Transport Strategy] sets an objective of 80 per cent 'sustainable transport mode share' by 2041. 'To achieve that London-wide, you really do need as many people as possible in central London using sustainable forms of transport. We can't have car-based growth in London. We don't have the road space for it.' Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below A rise in cycling of 137 per cent between 2000 and 2019 is highlighted as one positive outcome. But opposition to the C-Charge remains strong. Roger Lawson of the Freedom for Drivers Foundation (FfDF), formed in south-east London to promote the interests of motorists, disputes TfL's claim it has been a success and argues: 'No proper analysis has been provided giving real data in recent years, but we all know congestion has got worse.' Definitive figures are hard to come by, because different studies use different metrics. However, analytics software company INRIX's 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard suggests Lawson has a point, with Londoners losing 156 hours to traffic a year – making it the most congested city in the world. But Calderato counters: 'We know that it would be worse if we weren't doing what we are doing.' How the money is spent is another bone of contention. TfL's most recent annual statement of accounts showed C-charge revenues for the full year increased from £316million in 2020/21 to £423m in 2021/22. These are intended to be reinvested in transport in London, but critics such as the FfDF argue that the high operational costs of the C-charge mean there are few significant benefits. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The fact that emissions have always been taken into account has been a constant source of irritation to some, who argue that this is not relevant to its principal aim, which is reducing traffic, particularly when a separate charging scheme, the ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission Zone) is also in place. Calderato argues they are very different, explaining: 'If you do have to be there in central London during charging hours, we want it to be in as clean a vehicle as possible. For ULEZ, you don't need to be in the greenest vehicle possible. You just need to be in one that meets the emission standards, which most vehicles do.' She admits they are likely to be more intertwined when the C-charge marks its 40th anniversary in 2043. 'In the very long term,' she says, "what we are looking at is having some kind of more sophisticated road-user charging rather than having a Congestion Charge, an Ultra-Low Emission Zone and a Low-Emission Zone [a scheme for large diesel vehicles across Greater London currently in operation]. We recognise that this kind of landscape is becoming increasingly complex.' Consultations are already under way as to how this might work and what should be taken into account; distance driven, type of vehicle, time of day and other elements are all being considered. However the C-charge evolves, one thing that will not change is the feeling entertained by many motorists that they are being 'discriminated against', as the FfDF puts it. After over 20 years, squaring that particular circle remains as far away as ever. Did you know you can buy a used car with Auto Express? Choose from tens of thousands of cars with trusted dealers around the UK. Click here to buy used with Auto Express now... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month The BYD Seal is a seriously tempting Tesla Model 3 rival, especially at this price. It's our Deal of the Day for 26 May
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
MG S5 EV: Stylish family SUV blends practicality and affordability
The MG S5 is undeniably compelling, combining affordability with genuine usability. With its practical cabin, a range of up to 298 miles and decent fast charging speeds, it's a strong choice in a crowded family SUV market. MG continues to target value-conscious buyers with the S5. The interior isn't lavish but it's well-equipped, spacious and with all the tech you'll need. There are some stylish touches on the inside and out, although we suspect the exterior aesthetics are more colour-dependent than in most cars – it looked great in the Piccadilly Blue of our test car. There are hints to MG's super Cyberster sports car in the design though, especially with the front lights. On the road, the MG S5 is easy-going rather than exciting, focusing on comfort and efficiency rather than outright sportiness. However, the slightly firm ride and sluggish infotainment (the wireless Apple CarPlay kept dropping out in our car) were a couple of disappointments. These issues don't overshadow the vehicle's substantial strengths. For many families, the MG S5 represents the ideal first electric car, removing range anxiety with solid real-world performance. Considering its price, it makes a strong case against more expensive rivals. How we tested We drove the MG S5 for a week using it as our main family transport, doing longer trips around the M25, the station run with the family and using it for shopping trips to check out how easy it is to park and live with day-to-day. MG S5: From £28,495, Independent rating: 8/10 Pros: Strong value, practical interior and spacious boot, good to drive Cons: Infotainment slightly laggy, ride comfort could be smoother, best kit reserved for most expensive version MG S5 EV specs Price range: £28,495 - £33,495 Battery size: 49 & 64 kWh Maximum claimed range: 298 miles Miles per kWh: 4.0 Maximum charging rate: 135kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive The MG S5 comes in three trim levels that do a good job of explaining the battery differences. The standard, entry level SE model gets a 49kWh battery that's good for a 211 mile maximum claimed range and a decent 0-62mph time of 8 seconds flat. That battery gets reasonable fast charging at 120kW, with MG saying it'll get a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 24 minutes at a 150kW fast charger. The SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range models, as the names suggest, get a bigger 64kWh battery that gives them a longer range – a claimed 298 mile maximum in the SE, while the bigger 18in wheels and extra kit of the Trophy version drop the range slightly to 288 miles. Both cars are quick, though, with faster charging at 135kW (that's 28 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent charge) and a 0-62mph sprint time of just 6.3 seconds. Underneath the MG S5 is a version of the MG 4's Modular Scalable Platform, so the S5 follows that car's traits of a good blend of ride and handling. The ride quality isn't super-soft and can feel a little bumpy at times, but it's nothing that's going to make the kids in the back feel sick. The steering feels responsive enough for a family SUV, with ease of use rightly prioritised rather than sporty reactions. The turning circle is handily small making the S5 nicely manoeuvrable in car parks – large windows and decent door mirrors help with visibility on that score, while there are plenty of parking aids with cameras and sensors. Most drivers will just leave the S5 in Normal mode, although you can play with Sport, Comfort, Snow and Custom – which all adjust throttle response and steering weight. You can enjoy one-pedal driving or adjust the brake regeneration with four different settings. Interior, practicality and boot space Although there's not a huge amount of flair inside the MG S5, it looks smart enough with a few little details, like the carbon-fibre like strip of trim that runs across the dash and onto the doors. Other than that and the octagonal steering wheel – mirroring the MG badge in the centre – you really could be in any Chinese-built family SUV. The quality of the materials inside are a welcome step-up for MG, as are the separate buttons underneath the 12.8in touchscreen for heating and ventilation. Elsewhere, the MG S5 is well-equipped but hardly groundbreaking for anyone familiar with modern electric SUV interiors: you've got your wireless phone charger, a couple of cup holders, the gear selector and lidded storage with space underneath all between the front seats. Space is impressive inside though, especially in a car that's just under four-and-a-half meters long. Sitting in the back there's decent knee, foot and head room for adults, which means kids will be more than happy – especially with a good view out thanks to the deep side windows. The rear doors open nice and wide, too, for easy access for older folk or for fitting really young ones into their child seats. The boot is a decent size and easy to access with a boot door that opens up wide to reveal 453 litres of space. The rear seats split and fold so you can still carry a couple of rear passengers and a longer load, while if you fold all the rear seats down you can head to the local recycling centre with 1,441 litres of rubbish. Technology, stereo and infotainment The MG S5's infotainment is a big improvement over previous MGs, both in terms of the quality and responsiveness of the screen and the usability – it's much easier to navigate the menus, although still not as easy as some. And much as we were delighted that you can go fully wireless for your smartphone connection, Apple CarPlay kept annoyingly dropping out for us – a shame, as it looks great on the main 12.8in touchscreen. There's another 10.25in digital display in front of the driver – although it's a bit too packed with information for our liking – but the driver controls on the steering wheel are a bit fiddly and flimsy, too. It's the same with the audio system – it sounded a bit cheap. You do get a selection of apps like YouTube and Spotify to use if you're sitting waiting for the car to charge, and an app to control the car's charging, locking and heating remotely. On the top-spec Trophy model you can even use your phone as the car key. It's disappointing that you have to step up to the Trophy model to get some of the luxury kit you'd expect – like rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, heated seats and heated steering wheel. And the Trophy's price puts the MG S5 close to the brilliant Kia EV3, which we'd much rather have. The expected range of driver assistance features – some handy and some annoying, like the speed reminder that gives you a spoken warning if you stray over the limit – are all packed under MG Pilot and come as standard on all models. Prices and running costs The pick of the MG S5 bunch is the Long Range SE model, even though it does without some of the niceties that the Trophy model gets. We're more excited by its £30,995 price tag and 298 mile range. The Trophy Long Range car bumps up the kit count considerably for £33,495, but the range drops down to 288 miles. At £28,495 for the SE standard car, you're getting plenty of space and a decent smattering of equipment, but the range of 211 miles isn't great. None of the MGs get heat pumps, which would have made the S5 more efficient during cold weather. MG S5 rivals Kia Niro EV Hyundai Kona Electric Volkswagen ID.3 FAQs How long does it take to charge? The 49kWh battery gets fast charging at 120kW with MG saying it'll get a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 24 minutes at a 150kW fast charger. The bigger 64kWh battery charges at 135kW for a 28 minutes 10 to 80 per top-up. How much does it cost - is it worth it? The MG S5 is great value starting at £28,495 and going up to £33,495, although you'll have to buy the top-spec car to get the best kit. What's the battery and main warranty like? MG offers a generous seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty covering battery and main mechanical components. Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: MG S5 In a sea of very similar family SUVs, the MG S5 stands out for its value. It's good looking, but take that MG badge off and it could be anything. At least the MG brand gives it some familiarity, though, and the S5 will be easy and enjoyable to live with.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Which cameras caught the most speeding drivers?
Cameras on the M25 at Swanley recorded more than 6,000 speeding offences last year, more than any others in Kent, the BBC can reveal. The cameras covering the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway recorded the most offences, followed by cameras between junctions three and five in both directions on the M20, along with the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing. A total of 70,202 vehicles were detected over the speed limit by cameras in the county in 2024. A further 7,850 fines were issued by roads policing officers. BBC South East previously revealed how one driver was detected speeding at 164mph on the M25 in Kent. Kent Police said speeding was one of the 'fatal factors' that contributed to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries. Ch Insp Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said: "Officers proactively target those who put other road users at risk, including on some of the busiest parts of the road network, where there's a greater risk of collisions occurring if motorists do not keep to the speed limit. "We contribute to Kent County Council's Vision Zero strategy, which involves partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible. "Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit." New figures obtained by the BBC from Kent Police show detections for both speed camera offences and tickets issued by officers were lower last year than in 2023. Cases of speeding at camera locations in Kent are falling. Between 2020, when there were over 84,000 detections, and 2024 they have dropped by 17%. The number of fines issued by police at the roadside have also declined in the last year. In 2023, officers handed out 9,929 fines, 20% more than in 2024. Meanwhile between 2020 and 2024, cameras in Kent generated over £9.1m in penalties. The motoring organisation AA is calling on the government to introduce more dedicated roads policing officers. Jack Cousens, heads of roads policy at the AA, said: "Roads police should not become too reliant on camera technology. "Cameras are a very important tool to police the roads, but what they can't do is stop a driver in the act and it also cannot uncover the reason why they're speeding, perhaps they may be under the influence of drink or drugs, or playing with a hand held phone behind the wheel. "We want at least 1,000 more [officers] by the end of this Parliament." The Home Office has been approached by the BBC for comment. David Barton, a Kent solicitor who represents speeding drivers, believes more motorists are now heeding the warnings. "I think people are more aware of the serious consequences for repeat offences," he said. "People know that once you get to 12 points in a three-year period, you face a mandatory six month disqualification and it's getting increasingly difficult to persuade courts not to impose that disqualification." A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by speeding, and for anyone who drives without a licence." Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Selfish drivers doing 164mph must stop, police say Huge surge in fines for speeding on Kent roads Fined drivers blame 'inadequate' signs at speed trap Department for Transport Kent Police
BBC News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
More than 70,000 speeding offences detected in Kent in 2024
Cameras on the M25 at Swanley recorded more than 6,000 speeding offences last year, more than any others in Kent, the BBC can cameras covering the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway recorded the most offences, followed by cameras between junctions three and five in both directions on the M20, along with the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing.A total of 70,202 vehicles were detected over the speed limit by cameras in the county in 2024.A further 7,850 fines were issued by roads policing officers. 'Stick to the limit' BBC South East previously revealed how one driver was detected speeding at 164mph on the M25 in Police said speeding was one of the 'fatal factors' that contributed to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious Insp Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said: "Officers proactively target those who put other road users at risk, including on some of the busiest parts of the road network, where there's a greater risk of collisions occurring if motorists do not keep to the speed limit."We contribute to Kent County Council's Vision Zero strategy, which involves partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible."Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit." New figures obtained by the BBC from Kent Police show detections for both speed camera offences and tickets issued by officers were lower last year than in of speeding at camera locations in Kent are 2020, when there were over 84,000 detections, and 2024 they have dropped by 17%.The number of fines issued by police at the roadside have also declined in the last 2023, officers handed out 9,929 fines, 20% more than in between 2020 and 2024, cameras in Kent generated over £9.1m in penalties. The motoring organisation AA is calling on the government to introduce more dedicated roads policing Cousens, heads of roads policy at the AA, said: "Roads police should not become too reliant on camera technology. "Cameras are a very important tool to police the roads, but what they can't do is stop a driver in the act and it also cannot uncover the reason why they're speeding, perhaps they may be under the influence of drink or drugs, or playing with a hand held phone behind the wheel."We want at least 1,000 more [officers] by the end of this Parliament."The Home Office has been approached by the BBC for comment. 'We need more traffic officers' David Barton, a Kent solicitor who represents speeding drivers, believes more motorists are now heeding the warnings."I think people are more aware of the serious consequences for repeat offences," he said."People know that once you get to 12 points in a three-year period, you face a mandatory six month disqualification and it's getting increasingly difficult to persuade courts not to impose that disqualification." A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by speeding, and for anyone who drives without a licence."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Long delays following crash on M25 near Queen Elizabeth II bridge
Three lanes of the M25 have been shut following a crash near the Dartford Crossing. Motorists crossing the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge are experiencing long delays, following an earlier crash between Junctions 1A and 1B. The incident is affecting the clockwise carriageway, with slow traffic reported up to South Ockendon. Essex Highways confirmed the hard shoulder, as well as lanes one, two and three, are closed following a collision. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and plan extra time for their journeys until the lanes have reopened. UPDATE - The M25 - clockwise between junctions J1A and J1B . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder, lanes 1, 2 and 3 are closed. due to a Road traffic collision. — Essex Travel News (@Essex_Travel) May 24, 2025
