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Some misunderstandings seem to exist regarding how the London Congestion Charge affects preserved buses. Many believe that preserved buses are exempt from payment and therefore may drive through the charging zones without incurring penalty. This is not the case.
At the time of writing, the Transport for London web site states:
Anyone, except those exempt or discounted, driving or parking a vehicle on
public roads in the congestion charging area between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm, Monday
to friday (see below for exclusions) has to pay the daily congestion charge
of £5.
The charge is not applicable on Bank Holidays, and the first three charging
days (whether or not consecutive days of the week) that follow 26th December.
All Public Service vehicles/buses and coaches with 9 or more seats which are
licensed with the DVLA as either in taxation class "Buses" or"Reduced
Pollution Buses" are fully exempt from the congestion charge. TfL will
recognise the vehicle by its taxation class and the owner of the vehicle does
not need to register with TfL.
So that's the bad news. Here, now is the good news:
However, if vehicles with 9 seats or more, including the driver's seat. are
registered with the DVLA in taxation classes other than the above, then the
owner of the vehicle will need to register in order to qualify for the 100%
discount from the congestion charge.
The document then goes on to give examples of vehicles that would be entitled to the 100% discount, and whilst it doesn't specifically categorise preserved or historic vehicles, they do fit the criteria.
All you need to do is complete a downloadable application form and send it in (with a copy of your registration Document) and (in my experience) you will get your discount authorised within days. Annual renewal is necessary, but is smooth and efficient.
It should be noted that the discount is not applicable until your application has been processed, so don't leave planning your trip and applying for discount until the last minute!
All legislation is subject to change at some time or other. The most up to date information will be found on TFL's web site.
This page was last updated on Thursday, 27-Nov-2008 10:48:40 UTC