London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been urged to introduce new exemptions for professional drivers who face daily hikes in travel costs due to changes to the Congestion Charge.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has called on the Mayor to bring in exemptions for essential vehicle servicing, MOTs, and repairs at independent garages.
The association warned that independent garages "keep London moving safely" and must not be penalised for supporting the EV transition.
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Under the proposed changes, the Congestion Charge will increase from £15 to £18 from January 2, 2026, with electric vehicles losing their long-standing exemptions from paying the road fee.
The Independent Garage Association fumed over changes to the Congestion Charge, which punishes EV owners
|GETTY/PA
Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said: "London has historically led the way on congestion and clean air measures, with its policies often shaping approaches in other cities.
"Getting this right is crucial; keeping essential servicing exempt ensures any future changes are fair, safety-focused, and supportive of the independent garages that are vital to road safety."
The IGA raised concerns that the increases could "inadvertently" penalise independent garages and the motorists who rely on them.
Transport for London plans to replace the 100 per cent electric vehicle exemption with a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount, offering partial discounts for electric cars, vans, and HGVs.
The changes to the Congestion Charge will see prices increase from £15 to £18
| PAThe association explained that increasing the charge and bringing EVs into the payment plan "will push up bills for motorists and potentially squeeze already thin margins for independent garages".
However, workers who undertake multi-day repairs could incur additional daily fees on top of labour and parts, which could make commuting into London unaffordable.
The IGA also stated that reducing the benefits for EV drivers "directly contradicts" the Government’s wider objectives as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
The group added: "Consumers who have been encouraged to make the switch to EVs with the promise of lower running costs may feel penalised, while garages that have already invested heavily to support this transition are left disadvantaged. Such measures risk eroding confidence in EV ownership at a time when uptake needs to be supported and incentivised, not discouraged."
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The IGA has also opposed proposed changes to Mayoral Guidance that would cut the minimum consultation period for major variations from 10 weeks to six and allow the Congestion Charge to increase automatically in line with Tube fares.
Mr Douglass added: "London has historically led the way on congestion and clean air measures, with its policies often shaping approaches in other cities.
"Getting this right is crucial; keeping essential servicing exempt ensures any future changes are fair, safety-focused, and supportive of the independent garages that are vital to road safety."
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, stated that keeping London moving by reducing congestion "is vital for our city and for our economy".
Electric vehicle owners will have to pay the Congestion Charge from December 25, 2025 | PAMr Dance detailed how the Congestion Charge has been a "huge success" since its introduction, but TfL needs to make sure "it is fit for purpose".
He shared that sticking to the "status quo" would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the Congestion Charging zone on an average weekday next year.
"At the same time, we must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel," the Deputy Mayor for Transport suggested.
He noted that despite the price increase, the proposal does include "substantial incentives" to help Londoners continue switching to cleaner vehicles. We encourage everyone to have their say and respond to the public consultation."