U.S. Embassy in London Refuses to Pay Fines and Tolls

[JCMach1]

“Those embassies, such as that of the US, which flout the laws of this country and misuse diplomatic immunity to evade the charge are enjoying the benefits of reduced congestion but contributing nothing.

“I hope they will now take a leaf from the UAE and understand that as the richest and most powerful country in the world they can well afford to respect this country’s laws.”

The US Embassy stopped paying the toll last July, shortly before Ambassador Robert Tuttle took up his post.

In an interview last month with ITV News, Livingstone said Tuttle was acting “like some chiseling little crook” in refusing to pay traffic charges.

In a March 31 editorial, The New York Times agreed, saying “We don’t buy the idea that diplomats are immune to the surcharge. Mr. Livingstone is certainly within his rights to demand payment, which may now amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, including fines.” ... http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2006/April/theuae_April252.xml§ion=theuae

[izzie]

1. This country looks more silly every day. Are we that broke?

Maybe China will pay up the fines?

[struggle4progress]

2. Embassy to pay congestion charge

.. Earlier this month, Mr Livingstone told the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday AM: "I have to say I do think it is completely and utterly unacceptable that the American ambassador turns up, having made his billions selling cars, and they stop .

"I think it stinks that he's weaselling his way out of paying his fair share to London because it makes Londoners have to pay more because he's not paying his way" ..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4881442.stm

[TreasonousBastard]

3. If you wanna laugh, find out the trouble NYC...

has had trying to collect fines from DPL plated cars.