The reason for the charge, also known as the CC is to help decrease the heavy flow of traffic into certain areas of the city, to lower carbon emissions and to raise revenue for the council. London was the first city in the world to introduce such a traffic charge, inspiring cities such as Stockholm and Milan to follow in our footsteps.

The current charge per day is £11.50 but this rises to £14 if you pay the following day. Friday travel does allow you until midnight on Monday to make the payment in retrospect. Thankfully, the charge is only once per day, no matter how many times you enter and leave the congestion zone. You also only need to pay if your vehicle is physically inside the chargeable zone during the charging hours. How Much does the congestion charge cost?

For those who wilfully refuse to pay, or those who innocently forget, if the charge is not paid by midnight the following day, the registered vehicle owner automatically receives a penalty charge notice of £130. If you pay the penalty within the first 14 days, that figure is reduced to £65. If you fail to meet the 28-day deadline, the charge increases to £195. You can appeal the penalty, but beware – there are cameras everywhere, so if you have driven in the congestion zone, it will be known via number recognition technology.

The charge is in effect between 7am and 6pm during weekdays, with the exception of bank holidays and between 25th December and 1st January. You’ll know you’re in the zone by the signs with a big white letter ‘C’ in a red circle. The ‘C’ is also painted on the road surface at the entry and exit points. If you’re travelling into these areas, you’ll need to pay the charge: Soho, Southwark, St Pancreas, Westminster, Waterloo, Newington, Finsbury, Bloomsbury, Charing Cross, Covent Garden, Clerkenwell, Lambeth, Marylebone, Barbican, Holborn, Mayfair, City of London and Euston.

The good news for riders of bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds in London is that they are exempt from the congestion charge completely. If ever there was a reason for residents or commuters to get on board two wheels, this is it! If you’re dusting off your motorbike after a while in storage to beat the CC, then make sure you have it checked over by motorbike repair Chelsea.

Electric vehicles and some low emission cars are also exempt or pay a discounted rate. If you’re licensed to ride a motorbike or moped but don’t own one, you might want to consider hiring one if you’re going to be in and out of the zone for a short time. Not only are they exempt from the charge but it’s also free to park at any time of day when you’re on two wheels.

Riding in London

This is probably the last place on your list of places to tour and while it is one of the most congested cities in the world, the sights make it worth the while. Who could resist taking in Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge? You’ll also find the London Motorcycle Museum in West London – even more reason to visit. There’s not much more satisfying than cruising through Notting Hill, Knightsbridge or Marble Arch on a beautiful sunny day.

Taking a ride through the square mile of the City on the weekend is normally quiet as it’s not a residential area. Other top suggestions include a visit to one of the top biker cafes in the city – the Ace Café located on the North Circular. Parking your bike is much easier in London and normally free, plus you won’t have to pay the congestion charge if you’re on two wheels.

York

Being such an ancient city, the narrow streets make it difficult for cars to get about but are ideal for bike riding. An additional bonus is the many free parking bays available for bikes. Where there is a motorcycle symbol in a bus lane, you can also ride in that lane too.

As a base, York is perfect for heading out and experiencing the dales and moors of the county. The vast stretches of open land make for a great touring opportunity, and there’s the added temptation of a trip to East Coast Motorcycle World biking superstore not far from York itself. Be sure to include classic bike servicing in your tour preparations.

Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland makes an ideal base for touring the country. The rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside, the quiet winding roads and the sheer number of places of historical interest make it a biker’s paradise. The views are incredible, the hospitality warm and you’ll also be treated to some awesome biker-friendly establishments on route.

Parking for bikes is free in Edinburgh and there are 120 dedicated bike parking bays available across the city. Be sure to head for the Bikers Cove, close to the Forth Bridge at South Queensferry, a well-known meeting place for bikers.

Cardiff

Like most other cities, there are plenty of dedicated parking spaces for bikes and all of them free of charge. Cardiff is an attractive city, with sights including the castle, the impressive civic buildings and Cardiff Bay. It’s also a great base for exploring one of the best riding routes – the A470 Cardiff to Llandudno. This route includes two separate coastlines and two national parks.

The road gets increasingly exciting as it passes over the Brecon Beacons. The route also takes in Snowdonia on a 185-mile tour of fascinating variety and diverse scenery.

1. Keep your bike in good order

You’ll be a risk to yourself and other road users if your motorcycle or scooter has faults or defects that you don’t rectify straight away. London has some of the heaviest traffic in the world, particularly around central London, so if your lights aren’t working or you end up breaking down, you’re going to block traffic and put yourself in unnecessary danger. Keep up with regular servicing at a motorcycle repair shop in London to prolong the life of your bike.

2. Car Doors Hurt

Always leave a good gap between you and vehicles that you’re passing. You can never predict when a door will suddenly open or just what the car in front might do next. The more space you leave yourself, the more time you have to react to any sudden change in direction from a passed vehicle or from someone throwing a door open when you least expect it. When passing traffic, give a good look at the right tyre of the vehicle you’re passing. If it’s pointing to the right, you know to be on guard that it could shoot out in front of you.

3. Avoid the Gutter

Yes, it can be tempting but don’t do it. When traffic isn’t moving, it’s tempting to just nip into the gutter to squeeze past the inside but it’s not good practice. Particularly in London, this area is usually designated for cyclists who won’t be happy if you’re found veering into their territory. It’s also a position on the road where drivers won’t expect you to be, which is never a good thing. If another motorcyclist comes up and the car moves to the left, you’re pushed off the road! Not to mention the proximity of any pedestrians who might step out into the road.

4. Be Wary of Pushing Past Traffic

When you see standstill traffic up ahead, it’s tempting to open up the throttle and get to the front. In cities like London however, pedestrians often use stationary traffic to quickly cross the road and they probably won’t be thinking about the sudden appearance of a motorbike in the gap! Slamming on the brakes or swerving is more likely to hurt you and your bike, so stay vigilant. Remember you have to drive for everyone else as well as for yourself.

5. Stay Calm

Getting upset, irate or mad is not going to improve any situation. Getting angry is more likely to result in you taking risks, which you might not always be lucky enough to get away with. Chill out, relax and let the gaps come to you rather than forcing them. Think of commuting as an art form. There’s a time to wait and a time to move on and it’s honing that knowledge that makes you a safer rider.