Popemobile To Avoid Congestion Charge

By · September 17, 2010 at 8:30 am · 3 Comments · Latest News · Report an error ·

1709_popemobile.jpg In what could be seen as either a generous or obsequious move, Boris Johnson has asked Transport for London to waive the congestion charge for the Popemobile as it drives the Holy Father around town during his visit. The Pope’s converted Mercedes would have incurred the normal £8 charge when it arrives today, but the Mayor, placing the Vatican’s financial affairs ahead of TfL’s coffers, thinks it should be exempt. Foreign dignitaries are not normally so lucky: a long-running (and often bitter) disagreement with the US Embassy over the congestion charge has seen the American ambassador rack up £3.5 million in unpaid fines since it was introduced in 2003.

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  • Dave

    One of my pet hates is some people’s tendency to treat the Congestion Charge as something other than a charge to reduce congestion. (Ken’s second-term attempts to turn it into a class tax or an emissions penalty spring to mind.)

    I had previously been quite content with the fact that Boris had been treating the Congestion Charge as nothing more than what it is. So this move is particularly perplexing, and slightly annoying. It’s not as if the Popemobile isn’t going to cause congestion, is it?

    I’m not that interested in the anti-Pope bandwagon, but I still think his vehicle should pay the charge. That £8 isn’t going to bankrupt the papal finances.

  • Vic Light

    So the Pope can afford a Ferrari Enzo, but can’t afford an £8 congestion charge? Religion needs to get it’s act together!

  • Vic Light

    So the Pope can afford a Ferrari Enzo, but can’t afford an £8 congestion charge? Religion needs to get it’s act together!

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