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Taxing time for embassies in UK
The Indian High Commission in the UK has been ranked fifth in an assessment of foreign missions that have refused to pay London’s traffic congestion charge over the years, owing over 4.4 million pounds in unpaid dues
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London
The American embassy is at number 1 spot, owing over 10 million pounds, followed by Japan, Nigeria and Russia, adding up nearly 97 million pounds in what Traffic for London (TfL) believes are “unpaid fees” by a majority of diplomatic missions from around the world.
- As of 2016, Indian diplomats allegedly owe TfL over 4.4 million pounds in accumulated unpaid dues since 2003.
- Charge applies to driving in central London during peak hours, Monday to Friday
- Levy is 11.50 pounds a day when entering congestion zone, defaulters fined 130 pounds
- Issue 12 years old, when congestion tax was levied.
- TfL says diplomats not exempt from paying it but the foreign missions say they are, under the Vienna Convention.
“We believe that the congestion charge imposed by the UK authorities is not a service charge but a tax, which should be exempted under the Vienna Convention and therefore the Indian High Commission, like several diplomatic missions in London, do not pay the congestion charge.”
Indian High Commission statement.
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