US Embassy in London Leads in Unpaid Congestion Charge Fees Among Embassies

The US Embassy in London tops the list of embassies with £14.6 million in unpaid congestion charge fees, as revealed by Transport for London statistics. The total unpaid fees owed by the diplomatic community in London amounts to £143.5 million, with the Japanese Embassy and the High Commission of India following with debts of £10.1 million and £8.6 million, respectively. Despite the congestion charge not being classified as a tax but a service fee, diplomatic exemptions have been cited by some embassies, including the US, for non-payment. TfL is considering legal action to recover the debts, potentially involving the International Court of Justice, with support from the UK government sought to address the issue.

The US Embassy in London has accumulated £14.6 million in unpaid congestion charge fees, the highest among all embassies in the city. Transport for London (TfL) released statistics revealing that the entire diplomatic community in London owes a total of £143.5 million in unpaid fees. The Japanese Embassy and the High Commission of India follow with debts of £10.1 million and £8.6 million, respectively.

The congestion charge, which began in 2003, requires a £15 daily fee for driving in central London during specified hours. TfL asserts that this fee is not a tax but a charge for a service, implying diplomats are obligated to pay it. Despite most embassies complying, a minority, including the US, have refused, claiming diplomatic exemptions. TfL plans to pursue these debts potentially through the International Court of Justice and has sought the UK government's support in rectifying these unpaid fees.