"The amount owed by diplomats in unpaid congestion charges has risen to 165m, new figures reveal. The largest outstanding debts belong to the embassies of the US (15.9m), China (11.5m) Japan (10.9m) and India (10.1m), according to Transport for London (TfL). Of the 146 embassies and high commissions which have unpaid fees, Indonesia (90), Togo (120) and the Netherlands and Peru (both 180) owe the least."
"TfL said that "foreign diplomats and consular staff are not exempt from paying the congestion charge" but a US embassy spokesperson said "our position is that the congestion charge is a tax from which diplomatic missions are exempt". Drivers in central London must currently pay 18 to drive non-electric vehicles between 07:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and from noon until 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays. A penalty of 180 is issued if this is not paid."
"The embassy of Saudi Arabia paid the largest number (47,538) of daily charges, between 2017 and 2025. However, it stills owes TfL 260,560. The embassies of Egypt (37,117) and Qatar (33,887) paid the next highest number of charges to drive. However they both still owe 244,000 and 48,620 respectively. By contrast, the US purchased just 76 during the same period."
Diplomats owe £165m in unpaid London congestion charges. The largest outstanding debts are held by the US (£15.9m), China (£11.5m), Japan (£10.9m) and India (£10.1m), according to Transport for London. A total of 146 embassies and high commissions have unpaid fees, with Indonesia (90), Togo (120) and the Netherlands and Peru (both 180) owing the least. TfL states that foreign diplomats and consular staff are not exempt from the congestion charge, while the US embassy cites the 1961 Vienna Convention to claim exemption. Drivers must pay £18 during set hours, with a £180 penalty for non-payment. TfL says it is pursuing unpaid charges.
Read at www.bbc.com
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