A quiet rebellion is unfolding on the streets of London, one marked not by protests, but by unpaid bills. For years, a significant number of foreign embassies have been accumulating a staggering debt to Transport for London (TfL), exceeding £164 million in unpaid Congestion Charge fines since 2003.
The sheer scale of the debt – equivalent to over 900,000 unpaid £180 fines – has ignited a firestorm of criticism. While ordinary Londoners diligently pay the £18 daily fee to drive within the city center, some diplomatic missions appear to operate under a different set of rules, racking up massive arrears with seeming impunity.
Leading the charge in non-payment are the US and Chinese Embassies. TfL data reveals that the US Embassy alone owes more than £15 million, a figure accumulated over two decades. Remarkably, despite the mounting debt, the embassy purchased only two daily Congestion Charge passes in 2025 and none at all in 2024.
The Chinese Embassy isn’t far behind, with a debt exceeding £11 million. Their purchase of Congestion Charge passes is equally minimal – just one in 2025 and a mere six in 2024. This pattern of minimal payment, coupled with substantial fine accumulation, has fueled accusations of disrespect and entitlement.
The outrage extends across the political spectrum. Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, a long-time advocate for accountability, didn’t mince words: “The bastards should pay their bill.” She advocates for a forceful response, suggesting that offending vehicles be clamped until the debt is settled.
London MP John McDonnell echoed this sentiment, stating simply, “The US Embassy should simply pay up.” The frustration stems from a fundamental principle of fairness – why should diplomatic status exempt anyone from adhering to the same laws and financial obligations as everyone else?
The situation is particularly sensitive given recent geopolitical events. As the Prime Minister recently embarked on an official visit to China seeking trade deals, critics point to the unpaid Congestion Charge as a symbol of China’s unwillingness to treat Britain with respect. Liberal Democrat MP Bobby Dean described it as “an insult.”
The Congestion Charge, introduced in 2003, aims to reduce traffic congestion in central London. Drivers entering the designated zone must pay a daily fee, or face a £180 fine – a fine that appears to be routinely ignored by some diplomatic staff. The zone encompasses a vast area, from Kings Cross to Vauxhall, and Paddington to Whitechapel.
While the US and China represent the largest debts, they are not alone. The Embassy of Japan owes nearly £11 million, and the Office of the High Commissioner for India is responsible for over £10 million in unpaid charges. However, not all embassies are delinquent; some, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, have purchased tens of thousands of daily passes.
Calls for action are growing louder. Lord Toby Harris suggests clamping or impounding vehicles parked outside embassy grounds. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a London MP, emphasizes that diplomacy shouldn’t be a shield against legal obligations. “If the average Londoner refused to pay, they would face fines and even prosecution,” she stated.
TfL maintains that foreign diplomats are not exempt from the Congestion Charge and continues to pursue outstanding debts. The question now is whether stronger measures will be taken to enforce payment and ensure that all who use London’s roads contribute their fair share.
