Embassies Rack Up Record Parking Tickets

By · December 9, 2008 at 12:10 pm · No comments · Latest News · Report an error ·

0912_meter.jpgOne of Ken Livingstone’s favourite rabble-rousing turns was to indulge himself in a spot of America-bashing – particularly the US ambassador, whom he once described as a “chiselling little crook” over his refusal to pay the congestion charge. Turns out they’re all at it: foreign embassies in London owe over £1.5 million in unpaid parking tickets. Most impressive is one Sudanese diplomat who has notched up 349 separate tickets, while no less interesting is the excuse offered by an Afghan embassy spokesperson who made the startling claim that staff and visitors find it “difficult to park” near their Knighstbridge base. Difficult to park? In London? Fancy that. Photo / xrrr

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  • PBreeden

    Your article implies that the US Embassy does not pay parking fines and traffic violations. In fact, the U.S. Embassy in London conscientiously abides by all UK laws, including paying fines for all traffic violations, such as parking and speeding violations. On the other hand, our position on the direct tax established by Transport for London in 2003, more commonly known as the congestion charge, is based on the 1960 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits the direct taxation of diplomatic missions. Former Mayor Ken Livingstone himself said in 2003 that the congestion charge qualified as a direct tax. Our position is strictly in accordance with that agreement to which the United States and the United Kingdom are both signatories. The Embassies of over 80 countries agree that the congestion tax cannot be levied on diplomatic missions and do not pay the charge.

    Philip Breeden, Press Counselor U.S. Embassy

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