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US stands firm on embassy's unpaid C-charge
Peter Dominiczak17.08.09
The American embassy will continue not to pay the congestion charge despite the appointment of a new ambassador to London.
The US State Department said there would no change in policy from President Barack Obama's representative Louis Susman although the president has called for action against vehicle emissions and greener policies.
The announcement dashes hopes that nearly £3.5million in outstanding fines may be paid off.
The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square has refused to pay, claiming that the levy is a tax and as such diplomats are immune. It is a policy that other embassies share. In all, overseas embassies in the capital owe a combined £28million. America's fines are the highest - above Russia, which owes £2.6million, and Japan with fines of £2.3million.
Under Mr Obama, billions of dollars have been set aside to encourage green energy projects in the US. His greener stance raised hopes that the congestion charge policy would be changed.
Last month, London Assembly member Murad Qureshi wrote to Mr Obama urging him to overturn the "mean spirited" policy implemented under the US's former ambassador to Britain, Robert Tuttle. He wrote: "Many here feel this was an ignoble attitude from the ambassador of the wealthiest country on earth, and one that set an unfortunate tone."
Mr Qureshi called on Mr Obama to issue a presidential decree ordering the new ambassador to reverse Mr Tuttle's decision.
But two weeks after Mr Susman's arrival, a Department of State spokesman 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."
Sian Berry, principal speaker for the Green Party, said: "I honestly expected them to change this, for them it is not a lot of money."
