Uber fares in central London to increase to cover new congestion charge

Uber fares will increase next week by an extra pound for journeys in London’s congestion charge zone.

The ride-hailing app will add the £1 surcharge to every trip that enters the zone, even though the congestion charge only applies between 7am and 6pm on weekdays.

The money will go directly to drivers to help cover the £11.50 daily fee charged by Transport for London for entering the area in the centre of the capital, Uber said.

Drivers of private hire vehicles, such as Uber cars, will have to pay TfL’s congestion charge from Monday after previously being exempt.

Uber said it will not add its £1 surcharge to passengers using car-sharing service Uber Pool or wheelchair accessible vehicles.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: "The central London fee, adding £1 to trips in the capital, will go directly to drivers to help them cover the new congestion charge.

"By exempting Uber Pool trips, we will help reduce traffic and toxicity in London.

"We share many of the same goals as the cities that we serve and are committed to addressing the same challenges: reducing individual car ownership, expanding transport access and tackling air pollution."

Monday will also see the launch of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) in London.

Drivers of older, more polluting vehicles will pay a daily charge of £12.50 when they enter the congestion charge zone.

This is payable 24 hours a day and is in addition to the £11.50 congestion charge fee.