Independent Garage Association responds to TfL Congestion Charge consultation

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has responded to Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation on the Congestion Charge. While recognising the need for measures to improve air quality and encourage cleaner vehicles, the IGA is concerned the proposals could inadvertently penalise independent garages and the motorists who rely on them.

TfL’s main proposals include raising the Congestion Charge from £15 to £18 per day from January 2026, and replacing the 100% electric vehicle (EV) exemption with a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount, offering partial discounts for electric cars, vans, and HGVs.

The IGA warns that increasing the charge and bringing EVs into scope will push up bills for motorists and potentially squeeze already thin margins for independent garages in the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ). Multi-day repairs could incur additional daily fees on top of labour and parts, while applying charges, even at a discount to EVs, threatens the viability of garages investing in EV tooling and training. This risks undermining the EV transition and may lead to deferred maintenance, negatively affecting road safety.

Crucially, the IGA believes that reducing the benefits for EV drivers directly contradicts the government’s wider objective of accelerating EV adoption. 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.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said, “We are calling for a clear, auditable exemption for essential vehicle servicing, MOTs, and repairs at independent garages within the CCZ. Independent garages keep London moving safely and must not be penalised for supporting the EV transition.”

The IGA also opposes proposed changes to Mayoral Guidance that would cut the minimum consultation period for major variations from 10 weeks to six, and also allowing the Congestion Charge to increase automatically in line with Tube fares or CPI+1% without consultation.

Douglass concludes, “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 remains committed to engaging constructively with policymakers to ensure that London’s independent garages can continue to operate sustainably, keeping motorists safe while supporting the capital’s environmental goals.