US told to cough up London congestion charges

LONDON - The United States Embassy in London owes more than £1 million ($2.89 million) in congestion charges and should pay, the mayor's office said.

London authorities say the charge on driving in the city centre is a road toll. Washington says it is a tax and diplomats are exempt. The embassy has refused to pay since July 2005. Mayor Ken Livingstone has branded Ambassador Robert Tuttle a "chiselling little crook" for not paying.

- REUTERS