Proposed changes to the London Congestion Charge scheme could threaten the future of car clubs in the city, according to Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK).
The national shared transport charity said the proposals could force car clubs to increase costs for customers, reduce fleet sizes, and cut the number of EVs they run, with this combination threatening their viability.
Transport for London’s (TfL) proposals, which would take effect from 2 January 2026, include increasing the basic Congestion Charge from £15 to £18 per day, and reducing the discount level for EVs from 100% to 25%.
CoMoUK has argued that car clubs should be charged a reduced basic fee, and continue to benefit from the 100% EV discount. It has also argued that car club vehicles based within the zone should be eligible for a 100 per cent residents’ car club vehicle discount.
CoMoUK chief executive Richard Dilks said: “Car clubs are making a big contribution to reducing car ownership and mileage in London, with members more likely to embrace active travel and public transport too.
“As well as enabling users to live a car-free or car-light lifestyle, each car club vehicle replaces 31 private cars in the capital, freeing up space, cutting congestion and improving air quality.
“It would therefore be utterly baffling if car clubs were treated as private cars under these changes. We hope that TfL listens, before it is too late.
“There are no logical grounds for continuing to discriminate against cars that are shared between many people, including those on lower incomes, in favour of privately-owned cars used by far fewer people.”
