I've been reading about German and American diplomats refusing to pay the congestion charge, on the grounds it is a tax and diplomats are exempt.
The GLC's response is that the congestion charge is 'a charge for a service', which really does sound like someone taking the mickey
What possible service could they claim to be charging for ?
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Cleaning out your wallet for you?
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Life is complex; it has real and imaginary parts.
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Whether something is a 'tax' or a 'toll' or a 'payment for services' is always a key points in who pays it.
I think the Yanks are right it is a tax and they are exempted from it under the diplomatic treaty.
As I understand the rather shaky ground Old Ken is trying to stand on the service being provided is emptier roads.
Hmm... like too see him argue that one in court. In fact if he thought he could he would be in court instead or trying to try the Yanks in the media.
I reckon the outcome will be TFL quietly drop the issue and then all Embassy staff in London will stop paying.
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What about UK embassy staff in the states having to pay road tolls? I bet they do.
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'Ken' is claiming that the Conjestion Charge is the same as a Road Toll, which Diplomats pay elsewhere.
Do Diplomats claim back their VAT and taxes on other purchases
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Personally I think the Congestion Charge is a tax as there is no benefit for paying £8.00.
Road tolls by comparison have a benefit of driving along a specific road, whether there is an alternative free road does not matter (eg The Dartford Crossing).
The probable outcome will be that a nominal annual or no charge will be suggested by Transport For London for all diplomatic cars. This will save face on all sides.
It will still be interesting to see what happens about all of the fines that have not been paid. Looks like another legal picnic developing.
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Roger
I read frequently, but only post when I have something useful to say.
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There's no legal picnic where one of the parties claims there is no jurisdiction to answer to.
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Strange that despite the tax, Ken's also raising the price of public transport. Cake and eat come to mind!
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I heard warnings that Ken's carbuncle next to Tower Bridge is becoming unsafe due to overcrowding as he stuffs it with outreach workers and the like, all on the public dime.
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