If you live in Greenwich, you probably know all this. But for visitors? It’s a trap. I once saw a tourist in a rental car stop at the lights near the Cutty Sark, then casually turn left onto a road that was clearly marked with the white-on-red “C” sign. I wanted to roll down my window and yell, “Nooo! That’s £15!” But I didn’t.
Congestion charge changes: the new TfL rules explained - and map of the
So here’s a friendly tip: if you see a big sign with a red circle and a white C, that’s the Congestion Charge zone. In Greenwich, those signs pop up near the A2, the Blackwall Tunnel approach, and around the O2. Miss them once, and you’ll get a fine in the post—along with a nice photo of your car.
The irony of the “free” side
What’s funny is that Greenwich is full of free attractions—the park, the museum, the market. But the roads around them can cost you money if you’re not paying attention. It’s like London wants you to enjoy yourself, but not too much.
I once parked near the Royal Observatory to watch the sunset. Free parking after 6:30 PM. Brilliant. But then I drove home via Deptford and accidentally hit the zone boundary near the Surrey Quays roundabout. That sunset cost me an extra £15. Worth it? The photo was blurry.
