Congestion charge zone sign: what it means
This sign reminds you that a road charging zone applies.
What does the congestion charge zone sign mean?
This is a reminder that a road charging zone applies. Know your traffic signs explains that zone signs identify an area or network of roads with a charging scheme.
The C symbol is used for congestion charging, tolls and other road charging. Zone entry signs show the charging period. The traffic authority provides details of how to pay.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Waiting limits apply in the whole zone.
- A road charging zone applies here.
- No vehicles may go in from this side.
Show answer
B. A road charging zone applies here. This sign is a reminder of a road charging zone (DfT traffic sign image details). Source: Know your traffic signs: miscellaneous signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images: image details (spreadsheet), Department for Transport, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
Within a road charging zone, as a reminder that the scheme applies.
What should you do?
Check the charging period on the zone entry sign. Get payment details from the traffic authority.
What do people get wrong?
Do not confuse this reminder with the full zone entry sign. The entry sign includes a panel showing the charging period.
Common questions
What does the C on a road sign mean?
Know your traffic signs says the C symbol identifies congestion charging, tolls or other road charging.
Where can I find congestion charge payment details?
Know your traffic signs says payment details are available from the relevant traffic authority.
Compare with
Controlled parking zone signWaiting limits apply in the whole zone.
No entry signNo vehicles may go in from this side.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (miscellaneous signs) and the Department for Transport’s image details list.
- Know your traffic signs: miscellaneous signs, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images: image details (spreadsheet), Department for Transport, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.