London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge will be temporarily lifted on Christmas Day, granting motorists a festive reprieve. Transport for London (TfL) has officially announced that the daily fee will not apply for the full 24-hour period on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Festive Free Travel Across the Capital
This suspension means that all vehicles, including those that do not meet the strict ULEZ emissions standards, can travel anywhere within the zone without incurring the usual £12.50 daily charge. The exemption is comprehensive, covering the entirety of Greater London, which includes all 32 boroughs.
Typically, the ULEZ operates every single day of the year, enforcing its rules 24 hours a day. The charge applies to a wide range of non-compliant vehicles such as:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Vans
- Specialist vehicles
- Minibuses
However, from midnight to midnight on Christmas Day, this requirement is waived.
A Longstanding Tradition of Exemption
This is not a new policy but a continuation of a practice established when the expanded ULEZ was first introduced. Christmas Day has been exempt from ULEZ charges since the scheme's enforcement began in 2019. The move is seen as a gesture during the major public holiday when many people travel to visit family and friends.
In a double bonus for drivers, TfL has also confirmed that London's Congestion Charge will be suspended on the same day. The Congestion Charge holiday will actually extend beyond Christmas, remaining inactive until New Year's Day on January 1, 2026.
What This Means for Festive Journeys
The coordinated suspension of both major driving charges in the capital is designed to facilitate easier travel during the core festive period. For residents and visitors alike, it removes a layer of cost and planning for journeys on December 25th.
While the ULEZ fee is paused for just the one day, drivers are reminded that normal charging will resume from 00:01 on Boxing Day, December 26. Those planning to drive into central London between Christmas and New Year should note the ongoing Congestion Charge suspension but must ensure their vehicle meets ULEZ standards or pay the fee from the 26th onwards.
