Driving around London has always meant keeping an eye on fees and zones between the ULEZ, parking restrictions, and now the newly revamped Congestion Charge.
As a team at H&H Van Hire, we want to make sure you, our valued van hire customers, get the facts straight. Whether you’re moving house, completing deliveries, or heading to a shoot, the upcoming changes to the congestion charge may affect your plans.
Please call us on 020 7916 6616 or email vans@hhvanhire.co.uk to discuss van hire options tailored to these new rules.
Renting a van from H&H ensures you stay compliant and avoid surprise charges. We’ve got you covered.
What’s Changing: London Congestion Charge Changes 2026
From 2 January 2026, the daily charge to drive in the central London Congestion Charge Zone is increasing, and the discount structure is changing significantly.
Summary Of Key Changes
- The standard Congestion Charge will rise from £15 to £18 per day.
- For the first time, electric vehicles (EVs), including vans, will no longer get a full exemption.
- A new tiered discount system comes in:
- From 2 January 2026:
- Electric vans, HGVs and similar vehicles registered for Auto Pay get a 50% discount.
- Electric cars registered for Auto Pay get a 25% discount.
- From 4 March 2030, discounts will be reduced further: electric vans and similar vehicles will get only 25%, and electric cars will get only 12.5%.
These adjustments reflect the evolving traffic situation in London, with more electric and low-emission vehicles on the roads. What used to be an incentive (the full EV exemption) is being replaced by a more modest discount.
What It Means For Van Hire Customers
If you’re hiring a van from us at H&H, here’s how the 2026 changes may impact you, and how we continue to help you navigate them.
ULEZ + Congestion Charge — Both Matter
You already know we run a fully ULEZ-compliant fleet. That means you avoid the ULEZ daily fee, but from 2026, even “clean” vehicles may pay the Congestion Charge, albeit at discounted rates for electric vans.
Cost Planning Is More Important Than Ever
With daily fees rising and discounts shrinking over time, it’s wise to plan. For one-day hires inside London, you might face up to £18 (or £9 for electric vans on Auto Pay), plus fuel and mileage. For longer jobs, such as removals, deliveries, and events, that can add up.
Vans for Hire: A Practical Alternative
If you don’t own a vehicle suitable for London’s evolving fees, hiring from H&H remains a cost-effective and compliant option. Our vans are modern, well-maintained, and ULEZ-compliant, which means one less worry.
Electric Van Discount — Worth It, For Now
If you choose an electric van and register for Auto Pay, you’ll benefit from the 50% discount starting in 2026, making your daily charging more manageable. But note that the discount is halved again in 2030, so you may want to consider how that affects long-term hire and return trips.
How To Stay Ahead: Tips For Smart Van Hire With Congestion Charge
Here are some tips from us to help you handle the new London Congestion Charge landscape:
- Check if Your Job Requires Entry into the Zone — If your destination is outside the central zone, you may avoid the charge and only worry about fuel.
- Consider Electric Vans For Savings — Using an electric van registered with Auto Pay gives you a 50% discount from January 2026.
- Combine Jobs If Possible — Plan your route and tasks: the more you consolidate in one trip, the fewer days you pay the charge.
- Use Short-Term Hire — If you only need a van for a few hours or a day, hiring may cost less overall than owning a vehicle that’s expensive to run in London.
- Ask H&H For Advice — We understand the rules and can help you choose the right van type, whether you need a small van, Luton van or something bigger.
Why H&H Van Hire Makes Sense Post 2026 Changes
At H&H, we’ve always prided ourselves on offering “modern, reliable, affordable van hire” across North London.
- Our fleet is ULEZ-compliant, so you’re covered for London’s low-emissions regulations.
- We offer a wide variety of vans from small vans to Luton box vans, so you only hire what you need.
- We include comprehensive insurance, breakdown cover and 150-mile allowance per day.
- Our van hire remains more cost-effective than owning and running a vehicle, subject to rising charges.
If you need to cross into central London for home moves, deliveries, film/TV crew work, or day-long jobs, hiring from H&H helps you avoid the burdens of ownership and navigate the ever-changing charges.
Conclusion – Plan Ahead, Hire Smart
The 2026 changes to the London Congestion Charge mark a significant shift toward higher fees, a new discount structure, and no longer offering full exemptions for EVs. If you’re hiring a van for work, move, or business in London, these changes may affect your costs and travel plans.
At H&H Van Hire, we’re ready to help you adapt. Our fleet is modern, ULEZ-compliant, and carefully maintained. With a wide range of van sizes and transparent pricing (including comprehensive insurance, breakdown cover, and a 150-mile allowance), we aim to make your journey as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
If you’d like to discuss van hire in light of the new rules, call us on 020 7916 6616 or email vans@hhvanhire.co.uk. We’re here to help you make the right choice.
