American Reacts to Why the US Owes London £12,598,845

Imagine my surprise when browsing KZbin I randomly stumbled upon this video claiming that the US currently owed the city of London over 12 million dollars. However in addition to my surprise I felt a deep curiosity growing which eventually transformed into my excitement to react and learn about this story in today's video. If you enjoyed the video feel free to leave a comment, like, or subscribe for more!

[@corringhamdepot4434]

The wife of a US diplomat killed a 19 year old motorcyclist by allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road. When leaving an RAF base. Then did a runner back to the US and claimed diplomatic immunity, to avoid extradition. There is a criminal trial in the UK going ahead later this month by video link.

[@Ga11ifreyan]

The diplomat thing is a moot point. The husband isn't a diplomat and the RAF base is actually an NSA intelligence gathering facility - he is s high ranking CIA officer and the UK traditionally gives US inteligence officers the protection of diplomatic status .... which is handy given that the UK has the highest concentration of NSA staff outside of of Langley, Virginia.

[@goldfish2379]

She isn't a diplomat - she is the wife of one. And was clearly either drunk or mad. Let's get her back and send her to Holloway!

[@lukewalker3]

And I hope she gets it hard time in jail it’s crazy

[@lukewalker3]

@@goldfish2379 you know he put that right

[@bobbyboko6317]

She should have taken responsibility for her actions , very cowardly running back to the States

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Much of Manhattan in New York City is a congestion charge zone too. Weekdays, between 06.00 and 18.00 drivers have to pay $8.00 each day to drive their car inside that zone, unless they have their registered residential address there. Truck drivers have to pay $21.00 each day.

[@timglennon6814]

8 bucks to drive in New York. That’s cheaper than London.

[@cireenasimcox1081]

Actually, American diplomats are well known for not paying the charges they rack up across the world. One particular story that I was somewhat engaged in was when an American President came over to Oz once and suddenly decided he'd like to visit our Uni, giving 2 days notice!! Because of the geography of Brisbane relating to the Uni, this meant chaos: all kinds of different traffic stratagems brought the city to a standstill. As for the Uni...well of course it wasn't just the Prez; there were aides & of course the stacks of Secret Service people etc. so it was like a cavalcade. And we had 2 scant days to try to set up the protocols involved in hosting foreign dignitaries. The bill for all this came pretty high -as I said, the whole city was in chaos - and this was explained to the Prez hoping he'd stick to the actual plans that had taken months to arrange. He didn't. Nor did he, or any of his aides, ever apologise for disturbing an entire city on a whim. Ps. Brisbane is on a large river: the Prez and all his henchmen could have gone by boat as so many students do, and no roads would have to be blocked at all. He declined.

[@tallthinkev]

My cousin was a royal protection officer, when some bloke called Ronnie came over he had formal dinner at a Cambridge collage. Can't remember think it was Kings. Anyway, he was a bodyguard for Prince Edward, when the US Secret Service tried to tell him what to do, he gave them a two word answer. On the one side Edwards royal protection and Maggie's bodyguards V the bloody yanks. In the end the yanks were left sitting in their cars and weren't allowed in the collage.

[@balthazarasquith]

And kudos to you, you pronounced route correctly. Next stop aluminium 😁

[@norXmal]

Some root in route.

[@odin741]

Wrong- Next stop is all those words the US ends in "or" instead of "our" lmao

[@richardj9016]

Don’t forget “inner national” or “Eye rack”

[@iurope4834]

STOP PRETENDING TO BE A PHONICS TEACHER

[@balthazarasquith]

@@iurope4834 I forgot some people on social media don't understand jokes. What a drip 🙄😁

[@paulsnoding]

Some interesting facts: U.S. Dept FAQs How much is the U.S. in debt to China? The United States currently owes China around $1.1 trillion as of 2021. China broke the trillion-dollar mark back in 2011 according to the U.S. Treasury report. However, China does not disclose how much debt the U.S. owes them. How much debt is the U.S. in 2021? As of 2021, U.S. debt had surpassed $28 trillion. Who does the United States owe the most debt to? As of July 2020, Japan overtook China and became the largest foreign debt collector for the U.S. The United States currently owes Japan about $1.2 trillion according to the U.S. Treasury report. What countries does the U.S. owe money to in 2021? The United States owes money to many countries, including Japan, mainland China, the U.K., Ireland, Luxembourg, Brazil, Switzerland and Belgium, among others.

[@Jen222287]

There is another reason aside from traffic congestion as to why London and other countries want to keep their inner cities free of traffic. That reason being that the accumulative emissions from all those cars wrecks havoc on the extremely old buildings, monuments etc that are in alot of Euopean cities. The car emissions are eating away at the old stonework.

[@seanhopton.]

As anyone noted that Diplomatic immunity also includes no Baggage of any Diplomat/ staff is screened at all,not even when flying. Guns,money, diamonds have said to have been smuggled across borders,l bet it's still happening.Murders have taken place in Embassy's,people have seeked shelter in Embassy's. You can get anyway with anything and face no punishment.

[@rebeccasingh2713]

Diplomatic immunity needs reviewing internally for sure! 😆

[@DoomsdayR3sistance]

If you want to know more about the wife that drove on the right side of the road instead of left, look up Harry Dunn.

[@tonys1636]

The Diplomat's wife in Question killed a motorcyclist when she drove out of a US Airbase in the UK, she left the country under her Diplomatc Immunity. She has since handed herself in to the Police in the US and revoked her immunity to prosecution, she will appear in a British Court via video link in the near future charged with Causing Death by Dangerous Driving, the equivalent to a Manslaughter charge. If found guilty I doubt if a custodial will be imposed, probably a large fine and a ban on re-entering the UK.

[@stuartthornton3027]

It's a law, not just a 'rule for UK citizens'. It would be like a Brit driving in the US deciding they can choose which laws they comply with on the grounds they aren't American. Just in same way the wife of a US serviceman in the UK whilst driving on the wrong side of the road. Harry Dunn was killed outright after being knocked off his motorbike by Ann Sacoolas. Within hours she was on a flight to America getting off Scot free. Certainly not a 'petty' issue as you described it. An innocent teen was killed and the killer never faced justice.

[@timglennon6814]

It’s not just London that has a Congestion Charge more or less every town and city in England (can’t speak for Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales) has a Congestion Charge zone.

[@johnkean6852]

Never felt so chuckled by concharge. 🤣🤣 He's soo funny.

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

1st comment, so please confirm, because it has been mentioned several times in various comments sections: is that your twin brother who has the 'Ryan Was' channel ???

[@nigelpilgrim4232]

That other guy does look like him!!!

[@jonathanodude6660]

i thought they were the same guy for a while.

[@paulharvey9149]

You do look very alike actually - I ended up subscribing to you both because I got you mixed up! Fortunately, Ryan always sits on the right while you sit on the left, while your hair growth is much heavier and his chin more rounded.

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

@@nigelpilgrim4232 - For quite a while I thought they were the same person (especially as they have multiple channels aimed at different countries i.e. Australia, Germany, Canada etc.). I even wondered when 'he' slept with the amount of content - LOL! Several people have said they are twins, but I have not been able to confirm this, especially as two twins named Ryan and Tyler are already on the internet, plus two brothers (not identical), just to confuse even more.

[@jameslewis2635]

Considering how PM Liz Truss's incompetece has lead to the value of the pound tanking, this is probably the best possible time for Washington to do a bank transfer.

[@MrCous3]

The problem is of course that most embassies, including the American embassy, are located in the centre of London which has the congestion zone. Therefore any of the embassies cars driven by staff going in and out the zone are clocking up charges.

[@j.p.vanbolhuis8678]

The solution is simple. Charge the car. The car has no diplomatic immunity. And as soon as the car has a large enough debt, use a wheel clamp, or tow the car. The first few times tow it to a close by impound lot. Every time tow it away further, Ultimately there might be an impound lot on the Isle of Skye. Oh and of course add towing costs to the bill. Even if the wheel clamps get forcibly removed, the annoyance of always having a 1/2 to 2 hour delay every time makes it easier to just pay.... Or remove parking spaces where the diplomats generally want to park, make them walk long distances. do road works in front of the embassy or their houses. Then do the sewers Then do water lines Then do Electricity Then etc etc etc... So many ways to make them pay. And make sure to always mention explicitly that it has nothing to do with the outstanding bill.

[@Westcountrynordic]

Tyler @13:19 *Yes it is true An American woman Anne Sacoolas drove on the wrong side of the road, knocked a teenage motor cyclist of his bike and killed him. She claimed diplomatic immunity and fled the UK before the police could arrest her*

[@johnkean6852]

ConCharge is a toll to live/work in your own City.

[@veronicawilliams7427]

Its not for just the residents to have to pay it for anyone who drives throughout the zone, in the restriction times. The USA occupy buildings continually such as the Embassy's. and it racks up by the day it remains unpaid. It simply does not go away.

[@ruk2023--]

In the scale of world finance this is the same as you owing me five dollars

[@stokecityscfc2547]

The wife of a us diplomats killed a 19 year old lad because she was on the wrong side of the road and US refuse to send her here for trail.

[@daveofyorkshire301]

The ones that pay it have congestion charges themselves and therefore it's commonsense if they want their charges paid.

[@veronicawilliams7427]

It would not have been one person but a large number of people using numerous journeys for maybe as long (ie how many years they avoided paying it. because each and every time its checked out it doubles up at least. and added charges added for non-payment.

[@stumilesyt]

All these diplomats are kinda missing the point... it's not about the money, it's about avoiding pollution hotspots whilst also doing our bit for the climate. Tell them to forget the outstanding bill and just drive fancy diplomatic hybrid/electric cars in future please!

[@johnkean6852]

Congestion Charge worked for 6 months only: people refused to pay it initially then decided they would just get their work to pay it. White van men (tradesmen) just put up their charges. Taxis did the same. So the people that lost out, again, are the ones who live there - who have to pay a fortune for plumbing/roofing works AND still continue to suffer from the raised carbon monoxide fumes.

[@YellinInMyEar]

Maybe this diplomatic emunity should be revisited globally.

[@dougritchie5305]

The Diplomats have immunity the cars do not. Stop the cars tell the occupants they have immunity but the cars are being impounded. I dont remember cars having immunity.

[@veronicawilliams7427]

it goes up on a daily basis until it is paid. Perhaps we should have used an excuse to made up pay to the last one penny for the Money from the Marshall Plan, yet they did not do ther same to Germany and other European Countries never did pay their share back.two wrongs never a right

[@RWBHere]

I doubt that Britain has even asked for it to be paid. But in a sense it's like using a parking lot without paying the fee. It's a toll, not a tax. The video used is incredibly irritating though, and he could have made his point within the first minute, before developing it further. The words 'Boston', 'tea' and 'party' come to mind.... I wonder why that should be? 😉

[@annienonimus5236]

The wife of a US Diplomat mowed down and killed 19 year old Harry Dunn. Ann Sarcolas fled the UK and refuses to return to face justice, she is claiming immunity. She was driving on the wrong side of the road.... RIP Harry Dunn

[@royw-g3120]

While this is annoying, still nowhere near as bad as that US woman who killed a Brit by driving on the wrong side of the road and mowing him down on his motorcycle. Poor guy never stood a chance. She claimed immunity and then fled the country. Imagine a U.K. person doing that in the US.

[@lg_believe333]

I think American diplomats should just pay it because it’s a toll everybody should pay. Otherwise it sets a precedent for British diplomats not to pay tolls in America. Tit for tat.

[@col4574]

Well,that should buy a cup of tea.........

[@nigelpilgrim4232]

That would be very expensive cup of tea !!! 🙄👌

[@stuartmcguire9799]

Oh the irony

[@Enzoblueblood]

There’s no way you’re just a “typical” “average” American guy. Definitely, not after this video.

[@jazzasax69]

diplomatic immunity is under review after a death of a teenager through driving on the wrong side of the road

[@kathryndunn9142]

😂😂 you dont want to part with your Benjamins!!! We remind you of that when the uk own it America 😂😂😂

[@johnkean6852]

Not terribly diplomatic, is it?

[@beverleybunn5084]

Give us your money yanks

[@badboy2kxxx]

last tally its at £14,598,455 owed

[@TheKFMProductions]

RIP Harry Dunn - Still looking for justice

[@norXmal]

Afraid that it never will, but I hope I am gravely wrong, all we can hope is the next elected U.S leader will agree to extradite her, as Biden has said 'no and it's final' If* Trump is re-elected, that might be another 'no' from him.

[@sarahgreen653]

RIP Harry

[@carolineskipper6976]

The comment about driving on the left causing fatal accidents refers to a specific case where the wife of a diplomat killed a young british man by driving on the wrong side of the road. Rather than be prosecuted for that, she was whisked back to the states, and the US has refused to let the prosecution go ahead by claiming diplomatic immunity. This caused a lot of Bad Feelings here in the UK.

[@showeritonthenavy7788]

that comment about driving on the wrong side of the road is actually a problem as American diplomats and soldiers are constantly being caught doing it. it can also cause trouble most notable being the murder of harry Dunn. when an American women (Anne Sacoolas) drove down the wrong side of the road run a man down killing him and fled the seen of the crime, assuming that she was covered by her husbands diplomatic immunity (she wasn't as by the signed treaty it dosnt cover family members). The American government knowing she wasn't exactly covered by diplomatic immunity flew her back to America to escape justice. though there is a constant drive for justice the US government still refuse to let her stand trial arguing she had assumed immunity.

[@enemde3025]

They charge EVERYONE who enters the Congestion Zone NOT just the people who live there. ALL visitors in vehicles, unless exempt, need to pay. Why not just stop US diplomats from entering the country until its paid !?

[@matthewbergeron3641]

Every diplomat ever: "How can I better represent my nation while I'm here? Better commit some crimes and act like a scumbag" Unless you're the 75% of the nations that apparently don't act like bastards

[@Jack-sf9zo]

Yea with the diplomatic immunity thing once a US diplomat killed a kid while driving and they saw no repercussions for their actions (if I'm wrong please correct me internet I'm not 100% sure)

[@def_not_dan]

I thought that was a diplomat's wife? Which is a worse abuse of diplomatic immunity, really.

[@zo7034]

@@def_not_dan Officially she was a diplomat's wife, but its said that she works for the CIA. So she might have been a spy and therefore, the US would protect her directly too. But they cant say she's covered by diplomatic immunity without saying what role she had, e.g. spy.

[@antonygill5104]

She was not a diplomat after being found guilty she then had her husband run to the state department to declare her diplomatic immunity after the offence

[@matthewbergeron3641]

The amount of crimes commited by foreign diplomats in, well pretty much any country, is actually so insanely high. It's honestly so high, it's almost like they became diplomats for the sole reason to commit crimes in foreign countries

[@JT.Pilgrim]

You know Canada and US are having a dispute in jurisdiction. The USA wants Canada to allow USA law jurisdiction in Canada. Very similar experience. That the one thing about USA, what it does is always ok, because they said so. However, our best friend. But the UK is our older brother. (France is our middle sister haha.)

[@bigenglishmonkey]

plus WW1 started with serbia rejecting basically the same demand from austro-hungary because it would be akin to giving up their sovereignty, which is a little dangerous if you ask me.

[@cindimams4394]

Sure Jan 😂

[@gdok6088]

There really is no need to use a car in central London because the public transport system is so good. My daughter and her partner live in London and they have a car but never use it in the city. They only use it for things like for visiting friends or places outside London. My daughter works in the Canary Wharf financial district and the newly opened Elizabeth Tube Line (formerly called Crossrail) has reduced her journey time from central London to Canary Wharf from 24 minutes to 10 minutes.

[@eddhardy1054]

Interesting how Tyler read out one comment about vehicular manslaughter and dismissed it as a joke without bothering to check (RIP Harry Dunn) 😔

[@B-A-L]

He's American, what do you expect?

[@veronicawilliams7427]

Yes that case is now going to Court so we cannot comment on it so as not to influence any possible jurors.

[@michael_177]

@@veronicawilliams7427 I really dont think they're looking at these youtube comments.

[@doobiedootwo3517]

US has history of abusing Diplomatic Immunity ! RIP Harry Dunn 😢

[@angelavara4097]

Patience is a virtue young man,all will be explained as the video goes on.

[@thomaseland3136]

Yes, in every video he annoyingly asks things which are explained moments later when he allows the video to run! 😂😎

[@BillCameronWC]

Before I even started watching this video it screamed ‘diplomatic immunity’, ignoring parking fines is a problem in most major capitals. New York has the same problem with the United Nations, as UN delegates also have diplomatic immunity. Where it really causes friction amongst host countries is when a person claiming diplomatic immunity accidentally or deliberately kills a citizen of the host nation, or indeed anyone else, when in a foreign country. There’s a notorious quite recent case in the UK where a US citizen killed someone whilst driving dangerously/carelessly, fled the UK, then claimed diplomatic immunity, husband based at a US Air Force base (quite possibly a CIA official). Money is one thing, killing people is quite another, specially when it involves what is supposed to be one of our mutually closest allies. I think it’s disgusting, but in reality it’s that good old Germanic word ‘realpolitik’, another definition of a diplomat ‘someone sent abroad to lie for his/her home country’. Sometimes the diplomat’s home country will quietly punish or at least sideline the offending diplomat back home, but usually no action is ever taken. It’s a dirty world.

[@odin741]

The solution would be when the next time the US says we owe them money- to deduct £12,598,845 (plus the interest!) then give them the balance..! Job done!!

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

Yeah! And while they are at it we'll have the South African Gold reserves back too. With interest of course. No doubt Uncle Sam will deny all knowledge of that debt too.

[@richardjohnson2026]

A diplomatics wife drove her 4x4 on the right side, pulled in front of a teenager killing him then claimed diplomatic ammunity. Ran off to the States and refused to come back for the hearing.

[@goldfish2379]

Oh dear. Obviously America is so poor, that it can't afford £15 per day to travel. Perhaps we should start a fund-raiser for them. In these troubled times, please give generously to the needy.

[@normanwallace7658]

The US Embassy was rented & not owned by the US it is in Mayfair one of the most expensive parts of London most of it owned by the Duke of Westminster the US asked to purchase it the Duke was willing to swap for land he once owned in the US The US refused the deal & has since relocated to a purpose built site in Nine Elms Battersea on land they purchased. & the Land in the US they refused to return was Manhatten Island NY??

[@norXmal]

While I can understand the diplomatic immunity in principle, to avoid another country to falsify an arrest or detention, on the premise to extort or similar during times of conflict or disinterest of another. But, would it really work when it comes to that or will the country just ignore the immunity all-together if it was at that stage of discontent? The abuse of this power is not setting a good standard, especially for representation. While I think it's main purpose is to give good immunity to government spies, why wouldn't you if the platform for it is there?

[@markthomas2577]

This guy is trying too hard ......... I mean the guy on the video, it's just annoying

[@reggriffiths5769]

Why do you insist on asking stupid, preemptive questions? The answers do frequently come up as the video expands. Is it just because Americans do not have the ability to shut up for ten seconds at a time, or just because they'd rather yak than listen? Either way, it's irritating and a complete waste of people's time. It also shows how basically ignorant you are of events outside your own localities. You also ask people to inform you, but never have to courtesy to respond to them. It's bloody rude!

[@WeeGrahamsaccount]

You are funny. Please try a "how to speak an accent" video as I would love to hear your mellifluous tones attempting a Scottish accent. Bravo.

[@Westcountrynordic]

One way to get it back is to charge every American who enters the UK £20 airport tax and a £10 tax on departure. Its payable at passport control non payment and your on the next plane home

[@katetorode8411]

Haha get Americans to obey foreign laws

[@mikespike007]

There has been a fatal car accident when the wife of a diplomat driving on the wrong side of the road killed a motorcyclist, she ran back to the states before the court case and the u.s. refused to send her back.

[@robertlisternicholls]

The diplomats should pay. They can always claim it back on their expense account. Silly to fall out over this.

[@robertlisternicholls]

They could have reciprocal arrangements between US and British diplomats so neither need to pay.

[@eruantien9932]

They key thing thing is that the congestion charge is that it's *not* a tax. It's a toll. Would you go to Canada and refuse to pay for driving on a toll road?

[@Salfordian]

This is a London issue. the UK government aren't going to expel diplomats over something the London Mayor forced on London. Also London could force the US to pay this after all they must pay the local taxes to get bins emptied etc

[@judithhope8970]

I assume that most of these cars are registered with an embassy and that diplomats of all people would be able to negotiate a deal with the government to pay a flat fee. So much for diplomacy. No wonder peace is so difficult.. It isn't very diplomatic, is it!

[@grahamgresty8383]

If they all used electric cars there would not be a problem as these are exempt

[@jimrichards7014]

In Canada, diplomats have different license plates, red instead of white. This way the cops know to not bother pulling them over.

[@iurope4834]

you mean canada water

[@stephenveldhoen]

Tyler whats the difference for London having a Congestion Charge zone when you have Interstate Tolls on your highways. Here in Canada all roads are free. We don't pay tolls on our highways except for one Highway 407 which is a Toll Highway which is privately owned. This means that Americans drive on it will be billed to there address. As soon as you enter the Highway 407 your License Plate is photographed and is photographed again when you exit Highway 407.

[@spudssnowdrops6286]

Yeah, for some reason American diplomats in particular are awful at going to work and reside in a country and not abiding said country's rule of law, even out of decency. One bloke died recently from some idiot driving on the wrong side of the road and basically got away with it because 'diplomatic immunity'. Like you said, if you are exploiting another country's laws, and especially when you cause death then you should be held accountable. Frankly I don't understand how diplomatic immunity can even be an excuse when it comes to manslaughter or murder.

[@johnsimmons5951]

The US not paying parking fines or the Congestion Charge because it’s a tax is a point of principle, and could have other consequences it they paid a tax. The UKs view is that the Congestion Charges is paying for a service, like paying tolls on a toll road, which diplomatic immunity does not cover.

[@Bugzy83]

The USA expects everyome to pay their shit, but when it comes to anyone else they are just like fuck em. Also, I respect your reaction.

[@garypurser8908]

Push people into taking public transport.But, do British diplomats pay congestion charges in New York?

[@SirZanZa]

it isn't a tax, its a toll for using a service the same as US toll roads or Bridges. go into the charge zone just pay it, it makes your country look bad for purposefully being petty. im surprised Japan doesn't pay it either as they are incredibly polite and usually just agree to things like this, they don't even haggle for good/services, its seen as rude

[@rudacr]

Tyler, have you never seen Lethal Weapon 2? "DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITYYYYY!"

[@machoward6443]

Anyone who can separate an American from a dollar should get a medal 😉 However, if there were a loophole that would allow me to avoid paying a parking fine I'd jump at it👍🏾

[@stopanimalcruelty298]

12 million would be a lot to our country right now . 100 million very helpful money to have right now. I wouldn’t want us to fall out with other countries though. All people from other countries should respect that countries rule and way of life where ever you are.

[@markamos1911]

The US outstanding congestion charge in London was up to £14.6 million in June 2022.

[@CryptidsRoost]

At around 3:05 Tyler completely miss the Christmas joke regarding the gifts from the 3 wise men... Frankincense, Merr and Toll Exemptions haha

[@gavingiant6900]

The first comment in their comments section is referring to the 'Harry Dunn' thing. I can't really say my opinion about it that much, because its an ongoing case. But I don't like she hid behind it.

[@ltsecomedy2985]

Perhaps, we should wheel-clamp their cars until they pay-up. Tell them they are free to use bicycles or public transport, without tax.

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

This video is old because the Congestion Charge (C/C) hours and time periods have changed, thus: The C/C is a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day bank Holiday (inclusive).

[@nigelpilgrim4232]

He does say in the video its 2 years old !!@

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

@@nigelpilgrim4232 - I know. But better to update people that hours and similar have now changed quite considerably. Especially if going into the West End (for example) to pick something up where you need a vehicle. As long as you get out before midday, no £15 charge to pay.

[@mccorama]

British people are VERY salty about the Harry Dunn / Anne Sacoolas case

[@beataandersson7592]

Now you have discovered the UK and Norway - Now it's time for you to tackle Sweden.

[@SukeruTengoku]

Tyler Walker, Bucket and Rumple .... do you have more channels ?

[@Emblyon]

London has around the same amount of resident's as the entirety of Scotland, you can see why it would be "congested".

[@kbrickell4732]

if the British gov would charge you for breathing if they could !!!

[@robertwoolstencroft5946]

And having already paid road tax already plus taxes on fuel !!!!!

[@kathryndunn9142]

And has it been paid yet 😮 !! what has that got to do with America owning us money 🤔 its not working tho there is still just as many cars on the road

[@selfaware3940]

yup, you still owe it...just send me your credit card info ;)

[@andyt8216]

Dear Lord, he needed to stop the rhyming. It went from clever to so annoying.

[@lazarus5609]

4:06sec I'm guessing you missed the joke..a stab at the US...

[@paulharvey9149]

I've never heard this before - it is rather amusing! I suspect one of the reasons your diplomats are being billed is because they represent a country of gas guzzlers - which in the UK, we consider to be a serious threat to the environment... There have been tax advantages in favour of running smaller, greener cars for some years now, it is no longer legal to use fossil fuels in either domestic or most industrial settings, and most of our cities are taking all kinds of outrageous measures to make it more and more difficult to drive around our cities - save for the obvious one of improving public transport and making it free to use! Here in Edinburgh for example, the local authority took advantage of emergency powers that were introduced during the Covid pandemic, to erect thousands of bollards across the city that created a hard barrier between roadside cycle lanes (and a few for the use of pedestrians, thus widening pavements in order that social distancing could be more easily adhered to): all of which without the usual proper stakeholder consultations or even full health and safety assessments - which they then sought to make permanent... Their obvious motive was to reduce the available road space for driving upon and render driving unpleasant because what is left is now much more congested - on the basis of which they'll almost certainly impose a congestion charge like the one that covers the whole of Inner London and which is the subject of your reaction! However, as well as doing this it has removed thousands of parking spaces outside of people's homes - including specially marked ones for disabled residents and brought about 'flying' parking lanes - which is where lengths of the former road space that was available for driving along have been given over to parking - between the remaining parts that are available for parking - but with the cycle lanes between them and the pavement. In many cases this restricts the sightline of pedestrians wishing to cross the road and drivers attempting to turn out of side roads - and prevents emergency services from getting close enough to where they're needed... Temporary closures of the full roads are therefore more common, as fire engines for example have to occupy the main carriageway rather than pull into the side as they'd have done before... Parking charges have been greatly increased in town and city centres, with streets closest to shopping areas and the other major destinations people want to go to been closed to all vehicles or restricted to buses and cycles only. Add to this endless roadworks - with hundreds of yards more road sections fenced out of use and with temporary traffic lights installed for weeks before the roadworks even begins in many cases; and you have a picture of the chaos that greets those who still need to drive around our city. Many of the roadworks, incidentally, are for the installation of yet more wheeling lanes for cyclists and other electric/battery-assisted personal vehicles - most of which take far, far longer than they need to!

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

No, they are being billed because their cars drive in the C/C Zone and the cars are not exempt! I have to drive into the C/C/Z for work and have to pay it when I do. All that happens is, I pass the cost on to the customer, so it increases bills to those in the zone... Thus, I get peeved to hear others can just ignore the charge, when I will get fined if I don't!

[@veronicawilliams7427]

that's just the same as avoiding paying a debt, that is not acceptable.

[@hubertmessing2601]

Add in non payment of parking charges .

[@theotherside8258]

Don't know why the local authority doesn't just shut the road to the embassy with bollards and stop picking up refuse, it could also seize monies being paid for things like electricity, water and sewage so that those services stop. It could also use those roads for storage of rubble and refuse from other flytipping sites.

[@beverleybunn5084]

Hand over your dipmat friend