No change in congestion charge row

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The US state department has said a change in ambassador will not mean a new policy in a row over the congestion charge.

President Barack Obama's new man in London, Louis Susman, was sworn in two weeks ago, raising hope that more than 3 million pounds in fines accrued by diplomats may soon be paid off.

However, Washington has ruled that the penalties will continued to be ignored despite the new administration's perceived greener stance, and recent overtures to environmental campaigners in the capital by embassy officials.

The US embassy owed Transport for London 3,478,200 pounds in congestion charge fines as of June 3, but has refused to pay up as it claims the levy is a tax and as such diplomats are immune.

It is a policy that other embassies share. In all, countries' overseas missions in the capital owe a combined 28 million pounds.

A spokesman for the Department of State said: "There has been no change in policy regarding the congestion tax. This is a long standing US policy and is not changed by the change in ambassador. We believe the charge to be a tax that is prohibited by various treaties."

Copyright © Press Association 2009

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