Why the change?
TfL’s stance is clear: while EVs solved the emissions problem, they didn't solve the congestion problem. With thousands of PHV and delivery vehicles on the road, the streets of Central London remained gridlocked. By removing the exemption, TfL aims to reduce the total number of vehicles in the zone, but for the individual driver, it feels like another hit to the bottom line.
The Impact on Your Earnings
If you work in the zone 5 days a week, we are looking at an additional cost of over £300 per month. That is a significant chunk of change that directly impacts your take-home pay.
Many drivers are now asking:
"Is it still worth working in Central London?"
The answer depends on your strategy. We are seeing a shift where drivers are becoming more selective with their jobs, ensuring that any trip into the "C" zone is high-value enough to cover the daily entry fee.
How to Adapt in 2026
Strategic Planning: If you enter the zone once, you've paid for the day. Make the most of it. Plan your shift so that once you are in, you stay in or around the boundary to maximize those higher-value central fares.
Review Your Expenses:
With this new overhead, it’s more important than ever to save money elsewhere. This is why passing your assessments (like SERU) the first time is vital, avoiding re-test fees and lost working days is the easiest way to protect your margins.
Stay Informed:
Rumours of "pay-per-mile" charging are always in the air. While not here yet, 2026 is proving to be a year where staying ahead of TfL regulations is a full-time job in itself.
The "Golden Era" of free entry for EVs is over, but the demand for professional, reliable drivers in London is higher than ever. Adapt, plan, and keep your business moving.
