Why does the US embassy in London refuse to pay the congestion charge?

Bastardchild

they claim that it is a tax, and being diplomats, they say they have immunity from paying taxes in the UK.

however, i think they're extremely short-sighted, bullish and arrogant for taking this stance. the congestion charge is there to alleviate traffic, which in turn helps london become less polluted... but it's not at all surprising to see that it's the american government and officials who don't give a damn about pollution!

if they had any sense at all, they'd try to win over some favour by just paying the damn charge.

gym

all embassies are considered to be on their own territory or something like that. and diplomatic immunity and stuff like that..

door.uk

a congestion charge is something your lot dont pay

monkeytime

All embassies are considered sovereign to the country in which they belong. They are not bound by laws of any certain country.
All countries operate this way, otherwise so many conflicting laws or taxes would prohibit of countries working together. So in other words, probably no embassy in London pays this charge.

mickey_shultz

I've often heard of countries, cities, et. trying to tax embassies, but I've never heard of it coming off. Can you imagine what the GB embassy would have to pay to work in NY?

horizontally_challenged

Boris isn't an idiot, he's just a bit of a fop! i love him, noone can present have I got news for you like he can...plus he was the milky bar kid!

As for the actual question, I think it's because it's an embassay, rather than because it's Americans. I wouldn't be surprised if others don't pay it either.

Pell M

BULL!!!

NJ. the Gemini

The British embassy in New York, you cannot get any answer
from then on the phone when any one call there day or night. The
answering mach.direct you to an 900 number and it's charge is 2 Dalliers plus pr. minuts so which is better?? The crowd or cannot get to speak to any body if you are having a problem in a strains country and need your Embassy??.

Oswald W

The British Embassy in Washington are enjoying the same consideration they ask of us.

rukidding

What's a "congestion charge?"

Shakey

because they can. if you could get away without paying it i'm sure you would

robert c

Because Gordon is afraid of upsetting 'chicken' George!

Carry On..!

Guess it's one of those agreements, like diplomatic immunity, diplomatic channels at the airport etc.

shitebird

because they can.

Maxi Robespierre

I'm not a fan of the Americans but I do support their stance on this. The CC is just a tax on the poor and its a blo*dy rip off. The Americans say the embassies are exempt from tax so they are not paying. If Boris thinks hes hard let him go there and collect it.
Its not just the Americans. Other countries don't pay but I cant tell right now which ones. Good on them. I HATE STEALTH TAXES. And if it leads to war I Will join the US marines!

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