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The changes are part of a broader plan to reduce the number of vehicles in central London

Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge in 2026. Previously, EVs benefited from the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, but they will now incur charges as part of a broader scheme to reduce the number of vehicles in the city centre.

Transport for London has revealed that January 2 is the exact date that many changes will come into effect. From then, drivers of electric vans and lorries will receive a 50% discount when entering the zone, while those driving electric cars will get a 25% discount.

This means that electric vehicle drivers will have to cough up a £13.50 charge to enter the zone, whilst electric van owners will be hit with a £9 fee. The BBC’s Top Gear has put the number of vehicles that have been registered for the discount at 112,000.

However, by March 2030, these discounts will be further reduced to 25% for electric vans and lorries, and 12.5% for electric cars. Meanwhile, the standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will increase from £15 to £18 from January 2, marking the first rise since 2020.

Residents living within the zone can look forward to reductions of up to 90%. However, those relocating into the zone after March 1, 2027, won’t receive a discount unless they drive an electric vehicle.

Discounts of up to 100% will continue to support low-income and disabled Londoners. According to the Mirror, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said previously: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.

“While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”

Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy, added: “If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it’s vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively.

“The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport.”

Within Transport for London’s press announcement, Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at climate charity Possible, also said: “Tying the Congestion Charge to public transport fares is welcome. It’s only right to make sure that public transport doesn’t get disproportionately more expensive than driving. We’re also pleased to see new support for electric car clubs.

“We need to cut traffic and invest in accessible and affordable public transport, and make sure Londoners can walk, wheel and cycle safely. This will put us on the path to a healthier, fairer London – reducing air pollution and making the city safer for everyone.”

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Viewers have been waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of the flame-haired villain

*Warning: Contains minor spoilers for Episode 5 of IT: Welcome to Derry*

The suspense is building in the Stephen King-inspired series IT: Welcome to Derry, as fans eagerly anticipate the grand reveal of the infamous horror villain, Pennywise.

The terrifying child-snatching clown, first introduced in King’s acclaimed 1986 novel, It, has been lurking in the shadows throughout the initial four episodes.

So far, viewers have witnessed unsettling events unfold across Derry, with local children tormented by horrifying visions and the military planning to excavate an ancient burial site in a bid to capture the creature, aided by the unique abilities of Dick Hallorann.

With the fifth episode dropping today (November 24) for UK viewers, fans are left wondering when they will finally see Pennywise on-screen. Fortunately, the wait won’t be much longer, reports the Daily Record.

The dramatic unveiling of the clown takes place in Episode 5, as Derry’s children and its secretive military venture into the town’s sewers. This will mark the first time audiences get a close-up view of the villain, apart from fleeting glimpses of it’s glowing eyes.

Bill Skarsgard returns to his role as the shapeshifting entity that assumes the form of an individual’s deepest fear. However, it seems to predominantly take on the guise of the frilly-collared clown, the reasons for which remain a mystery.

The series takes place 27 years before the events depicted in the original IT film, drawing inspiration from five interlude tales within King’s IT novel told through the eyes of character Mike Hanlon.

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The adaptation has been brought to the small screen by sibling pair Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who previously delivered the tale to cinemas with 2017’s IT Chapter One and 2019’s IT Chapter Two.

“One of the great things about the book is no one ever gets to know the truth about It-and that’s where our curiosity goes,” Andy Muschietti revealed during a conversation with Esquire regarding the series.

“The purpose [of the show] is shedding some light onto those mysteries.”

New episodes of Welcome to Derry are released every Monday on Sky an NOW TV

Christmas markets have been popping up across Europe, and one expert has shared the secrets to a perfect trip – including the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.

Christmas markets have been springing up throughout Britain and across Europe, and whilst there are numerous options domestically, many Brits are planning to jet off for a winter break.

Whilst visiting these markets is undoubtedly enjoyable, they can frequently become overcrowded, which might diminish the enchantment of the experience for some visitors.

Maren Schullerus, GetYourGuide‘s German Market Expert, has attended over 60 Christmas markets worldwide, and is now sharing insider tips for the perfect getaway – including optimal times to avoid the masses.

Regarding the best timing, she advises: “The best time to visit a Christmas Market and beat the crowds is on a weekday, mid-December at around 4pm. The kids are usually still in school, and it’s dark early, so it feels Christmassy.”

For those seeking a quieter alternative, or a market suited to a romantic escape, Maren suggested the Santa Pauli Christmas Market in Hamburg, which specifically caters to an “adults-only” audience with entertainment including a Bauble Burlesque show.

She also cautioned against succumbing to tourist traps whilst visiting these markets, such as learning to distinguish whether something is genuinely handmade or factory-produced.

Maren explains: “When it comes to souvenir buying, there’s a few indicators that the person has made it themselves, as opposed to it being shipped from a factory.”

“Three tips: Look for stalls that won’t let you photograph their crafts, look for tradespeople that can tell you how they made it and make sure you’re allowed to pick it up and have a look before you buy it.”

Whichever market you choose to visit, make certain you dress warmly, as temperatures at some destinations could plummet to -15C°. For particularly cold locations, Maren suggests buying pocket warmers to keep your hands toasty.

Remember to bring both your card and cash when attending, as certain market vendors only take cash payments, whilst ATMs at these markets typically charge withdrawal fees.

For those worried about the dreaded mulled-wine hangover, Maren recommends: “Look for the ‘Winzer-Glühwein.’ This is real wine from your local wineries. Stands usually state clearly that they are ‘Winzers’ (winemakers). You’ll get the tastier Glühwein options without the headache.”

THE UK’s biggest one-day Christmas market is to return in just a few weeks after it was abruptly cancelled last year.

Thousands are expected to attend the event in a historic market town.

Shoppers will be able to choose from 120 stalls set up in the centre of Beverley in Yorkshire next month after council officials confirmed the event would be back in place this year.

Stalls at the Beverley Festival of Christmas will once again be brimming with seasonal gifts and local treats.

There will also be live entertainment, music and dancing – and, of course, an appearance from Santa and his reindeers – as well as birds of prey on display, and traditional brass bands.

The event had to be cancelled at the last-minute in 2024 after Storm Darragh caused chaos across the UK last year.

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Locals and visitors were left disappointed after council officials took the decision to cancel the market in the run up to the event after 34 flood warnings were issued across the country and a cold weather health alert was put in place.

At the time, a spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the event, which was established in 1995 by local shop owner John Bird, had involved six months of planning and the decision to cancel “had not been taken lightly”.

Announcing its return for 2025, councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure at the council, said the event is “the flagship tourism event for our region and is an important date in the calendar for businesses and traders”.

‘Hugely popular’

He added: “It is always a hugely popular event, with visitors from all over the UK coming to enjoy the festive stalls and entertainment. 

“The event will also provide a welcome boost to the local visitor economy at such a wonderful time of the year.”

The council said that Beverley’s historic centre will be “transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s wonderland” for the event.

News of its return has prompted an outpouring of support and excitement with hundreds of locals and visitors commenting on Facebook.

One person posted: “I cannot wait to stand in this market. So excited.”

Another person wrote: “We will be there.”

A third person said: “Can’t wait. This is one of our fave Christmas markets.”

A fourth person was equally excited at the news the market is to return, posting: “Love Beverley. Nice place.”

A fifth said: “Will defo have to go!”

The festival will again be sponsored by The Beverley Arms, part of hospitality company Thwaites.

Rick Bailey, chairman at Thwaites, said: “We’re so proud that The Beverley Arms is once again part of The Beverley Festival of Christmas, it’s such a special celebration that brings the whole town together, showcases the very best of Beverley, and captures the true spirit of the season.”

This year’s event will run from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, 14 December.

Also making a return to Beverly this year is the Reindeer Rampage Christmas Trail, which is running from 1 November to December 31.

This is a popular event in the town with locals and visitors asked to find Santa‘s reindeer, which are “hiding” in shop windows in Beverley.

You can pick up a free map and reindeer mask from the Tourist Information Centre on Cross Street and find out more details here.

The market itself will take place over several areas in the town, including Saturday Market, and will also feature a parade to mark the start of the festival.

The parade will leave from Wednesday Market when the event opens at 10am and it will move down Toll Gavel to Saturday Market.

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Taking part in the parade will be feature Santa Claus, Rudolph and the rest of his reindeer, live music, comedy acts, steam punks, Bernese mountain dogs and much more.

This year’s event will take place on 14 December in Beverley