What changes are being made in 2026

Across the capital, Transport for London (TfL) has a calendar of scheduled works that it says will improve its network. Looking ahead to 2026, there are significant changes and closures planned that could affect passengers and drivers.

Here are details of what they are and when they come into effect.

TfL is introducing changes to the congestion charge scheme in the new year, along with a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount for electric vehicles, and changes to the Residents’ Discount for new applicants.

The standard daily congestion charge will increase from £15 to £18 if paid in advance or on the day of travel. This comes into force on 2 January.

Drivers will pay £21 – compared with the previous rate of £17.50 – if paid within three days after travel.

Congestion Charge Residents’ Discount holders will continue to get a 90% discount and pay the daily fee of £1.80.

The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ends on 25 December 2025, and a tiered system is being introduced.

From 2 January there will be a 25% discount on the daily charge for electric cars registered on Auto Pay. This puts the cost at £13.50.

There will be a 50% discount on the charge for electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles registered on Auto Pay, making the cost £9.

A new 100% discount will apply to electric car club vehicles that are picked up and returned to the same bay within the congestion charge zone.

From 4 March 2030, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount will drop to a 12.5% discount for electric cars on Auto Pay and a 25% discount for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles on Auto Pay.

Piccadilly line

TfL is replacing its fleet of 1970s trains on the Piccadilly line, with the ambition of introducing the first of its 94 new trains in 2026.

It said these could be introduced between July and December 2026 and would allow for an increase of three more trains an hour during peak times.

TfL is also carrying out a range of upgrades including improving the line’s power system, adjusting platform edges and track positions and installing new CCTV cameras.

It is planning a range of weekend closures for the works, with disruption anticipated in January, March and April.

Northern line

From 12 January until late spring, trains will not be running between Camden Town and Kennington, via Bank, after 22:00, Mondays to Thursdays, as part of ongoing improvement works to the line, TfL said.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

The Cutty Sark station is closed until the spring while all four of its escalators are replaced.

Customers are advised to travel via Greenwich station or local bus services.

TfL is also planning a range of weekend closures between some stations for its DLR upgrade work.

Customers can check before they travel by using the TfL Go app.

The pedestrianisation plans pivot around Sir Sadiq establishing a new mayoral development corporation (MDC), which would give a mayoral body control of the area in terms of planning and development.

So far the plan has been given government and London Assembly backing, and the mayor is working with the government to make the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by 1 January.

A public consultation opened in November and runs until 16 January.

TfL said, subject to the consultation results, delivery of the scheme could begin in the second half of 2026.

TfL has been working to replace the roundabouts at both ends of Lambeth Bridge with traffic lights.

Structural improvements to the bridge, along with pedestrian and cycle lane improvements, have also been taking place.

TfL said works on the bridge’s new junctions will continue until June, with narrow lanes and occasional night-time closures in place until then.

It estimates the project will be fully complete by summer 2026.

The road improvement scheme on the A23 Streatham Hill is continuing in 2026, with works due to finish in spring 2027.

Protected cycle lanes and dedicated bus lanes in both directions are being created, and lane restrictions in both directions are in place.