Kevin’s comment:
This is one of the rare instances where I can say that this is untrue as an eyewitness. With my own two eyes I’ve seen US diplomats paying road tolls. Of course, this was at an old-fashioned toll gate with physical barriers and guards to prevent non-payment.

I’ve also seen US diplomats paying tram and railway fares. Again, this was because of the enforcement.

I seriously question the “decades” statement, because automatic electronic toll collection systems like London’s CC or Ontario’s 407 are a relatively new phenomenon. Before that, barriers and guards were standard everywhere.

I venture to predict that if there were physical tollgates and guards at the London CC zone then the US Embassy personnel would either be paying without a fuss or else be taking their bicycles or public transit. Just like us peasants. And just like they do everywhere else with barriers and guards.

These US government personnel are only evading paying because they figure they can get away with it. The only issue is one of enforcement. I know that they do pay when there is adequate enforcement. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes, so I know its true!

There has been a trend away from toll booths and physical road barriers blocking non-payers. These have been replaced with electronic toll collection. Examples include Ontario’s 407 toll highway and the London Congestion Charge.

This is a serious loophole. As noted, the US Embassy is currently owing 3.5 million pounds sterling – and refuses to pay up. Although the US government is the worst offender, other diplomatic missions also owe.

My concern is that the accumulated amounts are enough to justify the return of physical road barriers blocking non-payers, not only in London but around the world. Once again, government bureaucrats ruin it for everyone else.

Does the US government pay their 407 tolls in Ontario?