Ghana High Commission among top debtors in London congestion charges
The High Commission of the Republic of Ghana owes £5,001,105
Foreign embassies in London owe more than £143 million to Transport for London (TfL) in unpaid congestion charges, new figures reveal.
Read full articleThe US Embassy tops the list with an outstanding bill of £14.6 million from 2003 to December 31, 2023.
The Japanese Embassy follows with £10.1 million, the High Commission of India with £8.6 million, Nigeria with £8.4 million, and China with £7.9 million.
The High Commission of the Republic of Ghana owes £5,001,105.
This total debt has accumulated since the congestion charge was introduced in 2003.
The dispute centers on whether the charge is a tax, which diplomats argue they are exempt from under international law.
The congestion charge is a £15 daily fee for driving within central London during specified hours, with exemptions for residents, taxis, and fully electric vehicles.
TfL maintains that the charge is a service fee, not a tax, and insists that diplomats are required to pay.
"Most embassies in London do pay the charge, but a minority refuse despite our diplomatic efforts," stated TfL. They continue to pursue unpaid fees and are considering bringing the matter before the International Court of Justice.
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