Cars queue in traffic on the A4 main road in London. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
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Statistics published by Transport for London (TfL) show the US embassy has racked up the highest unpaid congestion fee, sitting at a staggering £14.6 million.
The Japanese embassy followed narrowly behind the US, accumulating a debt of £10.1 million.
The figures are unpaid fees and fines created by diplomats in 20 years – between the launch of the congestion charge, which was introduced in 2003, to the end of 2023.
The scheme that the public are all too familiar with involves a £15 daily fee for driving within an area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
The charge’s purpose has been labelled as an attempt to reduce traffic congestion and encourage alternative transportation methods, like bus or tube.
In TfL’s statement, they said:
“We and the UK Government are clear that the congestion charge is a charge for a service and not a tax.
“This means that diplomats are not exempt from paying it.
“The majority of embassies in London do pay the charge, but there remains a stubborn minority who refuse to do so, despite our representations through diplomatic channels.
“We will continue to pursue all unpaid congestion charge fees and related penalty charge notices, and are pushing for the matter to be taken up at the International Court of Justice.”
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HeadlineEmbassies Worldwide say London Congestion Charge is a “tax”
Short Headline London congestion charge is a "tax" says embassies worldwide as they rack up millions in fees
StandfirstThe total currently sits at £143.5 million.
Statistics published by Transport for London (TfL) show the US embassy has racked up the highest unpaid congestion fee, sitting at a staggering £14.6 million.
The Japanese embassy followed narrowly behind the US, accumulating a debt of £10.1 million.
The figures are unpaid fees and fines created by diplomats in 20 years – between the launch of the congestion charge, which was introduced in 2003, to the end of 2023.
The scheme that the public are all too familiar with involves a £15 daily fee for driving within an area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
The charge’s purpose has been labelled as an attempt to reduce traffic congestion and encourage alternative transportation methods, like bus or tube.
In TfL’s statement, they said:
“We and the UK Government are clear that the congestion charge is a charge for a service and not a tax.
“This means that diplomats are not exempt from paying it.
“The majority of embassies in London do pay the charge, but there remains a stubborn minority who refuse to do so, despite our representations through diplomatic channels.
“We will continue to pursue all unpaid congestion charge fees and related penalty charge notices, and are pushing for the matter to be taken up at the International Court of Justice.”
