London's US Embassy owes £15,600,000 in congestion charges
We have all been there – trying to avoid paying a fine and hoping it will just go away.
But when you are the diplomatic representative of a superpower like the US and owe millions, the pressure is on.
Embassies from 145 countries have racked up around £161 million in unpaid congestion charges, the latest TfL figures show.
But dozens of embassies are refusing to pay up, despite TfL insisting that the congestion charge is for a service and not a tax, meaning foreign officials are not exempt under diplomatic law.
Here is a list of the top 10 worst offenders.
The transport authority released its annual naughty list showing who owes the most.
The worst offender for unpaid charges is the US, which owes around £15.6 million, accumulated between 2003 and June 30, 2025.
Second on the list is the Japanese embassy with around £10.76 million in debt.
China has moved to the third spot this year thanks to its £10.71 debt, surpassing Nigeria and India.
Russia hovers in sixth spot, with around £6.1 million in unpaid congestion charges.
TfL said: 'The majority of embassies in London do pay the charge, but there remains a stubborn minority who refuse to do so, despite our representations through diplomatic channels.'
London is home to around 168 diplomatic missions, including embassies, consulates and high commissions.
The latest list comes less than two months before Donald Trump is expected to land in the UK for his official state visit.
Rumours are also swirling that the US President will visit Scotland this week as the second course at his golf club in Aberdeenshire opens.
A TfL spokesperson told Metro: 'Foreign diplomats and consular staff are not exempt from paying the Congestion Charge. More Trending
'We continue to pursue all unpaid Congestion Charges and related penalty charge notices.'
Motorists have to pay the £15 daily congestion charge if they drive within the CC zone during the busiest times of the day – and this includes diplomats.
The congestion charge, designed to discourage traffic during the peak travel times in central London, is set to rise to £18 from next year.
It is different to the Ultra Low Emission Zone fee, which generally applies to older cars not compliant with the Ulez standards in Greater London.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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