Classic motorcycles will NOT be subject to the London Congestion Charge, a point which has been clarified by Transport for London after the subject was raised by the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC).
It follows concerns raised by riders of motorcycles registered in the Historic Vehicle class of vehicle. The NMC has received confirmation from Transport for London (TfL) that motorcycles of all ages are not subject to the Congestion Charge.
Concerns were raised by members of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) who were worried that the charge can be levied if riding into the Congestion Charge Zone. This is because the Historic Vehicle class is not exempt from the charge.
It raised the possibility that pre Euro 3 emissions motorcycles would become exempt from London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge upon being reregistered as historic vehicles at 40 years old – only to become subject to the Congestion Charge at the same time. The NMC sought clarity from TfL.
TfL said, “It should be noted that motorcycles (including those registered in the DVLA’s Historic tax class) are exempt from the Congestion Charge.
“In the event that someone has found themselves charged, we would ask them to get in touch with the Congestion Charge team and provide the Vehicle Registration Mark of the vehicle(s) in question, so the team can investigate further.
“The Operations team is currently looking into this matter further to check that PCNs are not being issued to motorcycles in the Historic tax class”.
The VMCC’s Roger Bibbings said, “There have been genuine concerns raised by riders of historic bikes that the congestion charge could apply. This clarification from TfL is very welcome and we hope that it reassures all riders of motorcycles which are over 40 years old.”
The NMC is also calling for all pre Euro 3 motorcycles to be exempt from ULEZ charges as part of its lobbying in response to increasingly controversial proposals to extend the ULEZ zone to effectively the whole of Greater London.
National Motorcyclists Council members are:
- Auto Cycle Union
- BikeSocial
- BikeTrac
- British Motorcyclists Federation
- IAM RoadSmart
- National Motorcycle Dealers Association
- Plantec Assist
- Trail Riders Fellowship
- Vintage Motor Cycle Club.