Request ID: FOI-2650-2223 Date published: 15 February 2023
You asked
I wish to make the following application under the Freedom of Information Act;
1. Can you advise how much money is currently owed to TFL by the Russian Embassy in respect of non payment of the following:
2. Congestion Charge
3. ULEZ
4. Parking Penalties
Can you please provide copies of any correspondence between TFL and the Russian Embassy over the last 12 months?
The type of information is mainly related to any to do with traffic penalties, ULEZ, congestion charge mainly.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2650-2223 Thank you for clarifying your request received on 20 January 2023 asking for information about our contact with the Russian Embassy. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
Can you advise how much money is currently owed to TFL by the Russian Embassy in respect of non-payment of the following: 1. Congestion Charge 2. ULEZ 3. Parking Penalties
We and the UK Government are clear that the Congestion Charge is a charge for a service and not a tax. This means that diplomats are not exempt from paying it. 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. We will continue to pursue all unpaid Congestion Charge fees and related penalty charge notices and are pushing for the matter to be taken up at the International Court of Justice.
The table below details the amount owed by the Russian Embassy for Congestion Charging and penalties issued on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). This includes parking, stopping and moving penalties.
There are no outstanding ULEZ penalties.
CC Amount Owed
TLRN Penalties Amount Owed
Embassy of the Russian Federation
£5,993,305
£527
Can you please provide copies of any correspondence between TFL and the Russian Embassy over the last 12 months?
There has not been any correspondence between TfL and the Russian Embassy on this subject in the last 12 months. If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
