Change must now come to US Embassy - Caroline Pidgeon calls for US Embassy to pay congestion charge

12.00.00am GMT Wed 4th Mar 2009

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson and vice chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, has revealed that the US Embassy is now owing Londoners £3 million in unpaid Congestion Charges and Penalty Charge Notices.

In response to questions from Caroline Pidgeon the Mayor of London has confirmed that a month ago the amount owed by the US Embassy for unpaid Congestion Charges was just under £3 million (£2,941,500). In the last month the debt has almost certainly passed the £3 million figure.

Caroline Pidgeon said:

"The amount now owed by the US Embassy to Londoners is staggering. The money far from being insignificant would make a real difference, for example funding miles of new cycle routes or numerous improvements to pedestrian crossings.

"A new US ambassador will shortly be appointed following the election of President Obama and I can't think of a better start to a new relationship between Londoners and the US than a change in policy from the US Embassy. A new ambassador should recognise that it is time to end this long standing grievance and start paying the congestion charge, as well as paying up for past avoidance.

"Such a change in policy would generate immense goodwill towards the US amongst Londoners and at the same time would lead set an example to the other 28 non paying embassies, many of which defend their non payment due to the actions of the US Embassy."

ends

Notes to editors:

Questions asked by Caroline Pidgeon to Mayor of London Boris Johnson

US Embassy re congestion charge [1]

Question No: 286 / 2009

Caroline Pidgeon

Now that President Obama has taken office, will you approach the US Embassy again to ask them to re-consider their refusal to pay the Congestion Charge on the vehicles they operate in central London?

Answer from the Mayor:

It is my hope that we will see a more cooperative approach from the United States Embassy. TfL continues to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to persuade all embassies to meet their responsibilities and pay the Congestion Charge.

More than 70% of the diplomatic missions in the Capital do pay the Charge. TfL is actively seeking a positive resolution of this issue for all missions not currently paying the Charge, including the US.

*

US Embassy re congestion charge [2]

Question No: 287 / 2009

Caroline Pidgeon

What is the total sum now owed by the US Embassy in Congestion Charges since the scheme was introduced in 2003

Answer from the Mayor:

As of 4 February 2009, the total amount owed by the US Embassy for unpaid Congestion Charges and Penalty Charge Notices was £2,941,500