It appears to have made a significant impact on traffic coming into the capital, although some say the real test will come after the school half-term when traffic levels will be higher.

A motorist enters the charging zone. Many people left home earlier to beat the charge

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who introduced congestion charging, is followed by a Sun reporter dressed as a snail

Anti-congestion charge protester Charles Kingley Evans makes his point to motorists near Hyde Park Corner

A helicopter view of the Elephant and Castle, just before 9am on Monday, shows it clear of jams

Motorbikes, cycles, taxis and some others are exempt from the £5 charge

Traders from Smithfield meat market say the charge will force them to put up prices

Campaign group Loot demonstrate some ways of avoiding the congestion charge