Diplomatic Immunity!
[Saath African Accent]
Everyone driving into central London during the daytime pays a £5 congestion charge.
Well, almost everyone.
Quote:
US diplomatic staff in London have run up unpaid congestion charge fees of £271,000 in the past six months, new figures have revealed.
The US embassy is at number one on the list for fees not paid in the past six months.
A spokesman for TfL (Transport for London) said: "We are continuing to seek payment for any outstanding debts from embassies refusing to pay.
"Last month the United Arab Emirates embassy accepted the principle and have joined the many other embassies who have agreed this is a legitimate change.
"This is not a tax, it's a charge for a service and gives no privileges to any VIPs, so we do not see why diplomats should be exempt.
The US embassy is at number one on the list for fees not paid in the past six months.
A spokesman for TfL (Transport for London) said: "We are continuing to seek payment for any outstanding debts from embassies refusing to pay.
"Last month the United Arab Emirates embassy accepted the principle and have joined the many other embassies who have agreed this is a legitimate change.
"This is not a tax, it's a charge for a service and gives no privileges to any VIPs, so we do not see why diplomats should be exempt.
So that's half a million bucks in 6 months. I wonder if foreign diplomats in DC have to pay fees and fines?
I could have ignored it, since I'm not headed back anytime soon, but what can I say? I'm a decent citizen and a chump.