December 26th Boxing Day, hanukah, congestion charges and charges for ULEZ (ultra low emissions zone)

Menorah in the forecourt of Edgware train and bus station, in Edgware where Anne Frank's father lived after WW2.

 

A home menorah with all lights lit for the eighth day.

Look carefully and you will see this jokey depiction of  Pisa's leaning menorah, Mexico's cacti menorah, Scotland's bagpipes menorah.

UK 

In the UK, the traditional story says that years ago the servants would take boxes for tips, or take leftover from Xmas Day home to their families. Boxing Day is national holiday. Some stores, physical and online, open to catch the crowds with post Xmas day bargain shopping. Other places postpone their sales until after January 1st, which is why they used to be called the January Sales.

 In Europe the 26th is known as St Stephen's Day.

Today is the last day of Hannukah.

The good news is that the congestion charge for all kinds of vehicles in London is cancelled until New Year. Check below.

However the emissions charge for diesel vehicles in London was only cancelled on Chirstmas day so it came back in force on boxing day, the 26th.

Each city and area has different rules. So check the internet because you might be able to pay later the same day or within 24 hours, but you might get fined in addition if you forget to pay or don't realize the local rules.

London streets are full of signs warning of different regulations. You turn a corner or drive along a road and you have gone from 30 miles an hour to 20 miles an hour or see a social distancing sign.

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge#:~:text=The%20Congestion%20Charge%20is%20a,by%20setting%20up%20Auto%20Pay.

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ulez-expansion-2023

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/safety-and-security/road-safety/safe-speeds