1. London
  2. 5 updates

Embassies owe '£67m in fines'

The US Embassy has run up more than 63,000 congestion charge fines - and owe British authorities more than £7.2 million in unpaid fines, William Hague said today. Total unpaid congestion charge in London now stands at £67.5 million since 2003.

Live updates

Government urges embassies to pay parking fines

The government has urged foreign embassies to "pay their dues", after it was revealed that embassies had racked up outstanding fines, penalties and taxes totalling £67.5 million.

William Hague said today:

In 2012, there were 6,154 parking fines incurred by diplomatic missions and international organisations in the United Kingdom which were brought to our attention by local councils. These totalled £84,772.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has held meetings with a number of missions about outstanding parking fine debt.

In addition, in April this year we wrote to the diplomatic missions and international organisations concerned giving them the opportunity to either pay the outstanding fines or to appeal against them if they considered the fines had been issued incorrectly.

Subsequent payments advised by councils (including amounts waived by them) totalled £240,035.

Six missions are responsible for almost two thirds of the remainder. We shall continue to urge those with NNDR (National Non Domestic Rates) debt to pay their dues.

Advertisement

Foreign embassies owe 'millions in congestion fines'

Foreign embassies in London owe millions in outstanding fines, penalties and taxes, William Hague said today.

Total unpaid congestion charge in London now stands at £67.5 million since it was introduced in 2003.

Here are the top three embassies owing fines:

  • US - £7.2 million - more than 63,000 fines
  • Russian Federation - £4.89 million - from 42,310 fines
  • Japan - £4.85 million - from 42,206

Read more: US Embassy in London 'owes £7.2m in unpaid fines'

US Embassy in London 'owes £7.2m in unpaid fines'

American Embassy in London. Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

The US Embassy has run up more than 63,000 congestion charge fines - and owe British authorities more than £7.2 million in unpaid fines, William Hague said today.

The Foreign Secretary released the figures as part of the annual statements of outstanding fines, penalties and taxes not paid by foreign embassies.

Total unpaid congestion charge in London now stands at £67.5 million since it was introduced in 2003.

Back to top

Latest ITV News reports