tim.... wrote

Sorry, but ISTM that it being a sum of money to achieve a "policy
intention"
is that which makes it a tax.

Anyway the solution is simple.

If TfL are so sure that it's not a tax they should take the embassies
to
court, but they won't, because they think that they will lose


Diplomats can't be taken to court either, hence the publicity given to
their parking fines. Moreover the interpretation of VIENNA CONVENTION
Diplomatic Immunity would affect every nation in the world so by its
terms goes to the International Court "unless some other form of
settlement has been agreed upon by the parties within a reasonable
period".

Article 31 VIENNA CONVENTION

1. A diplomatic agent shall enjoy immunity from the criminal
jurisdiction
of the receiving State. He shall also enjoy immunity from its civil and
administrative jurisdiction, except {...}


Article 34 VIENNA CONVENTION

A diplomatic agent shall be exempt from all dues and taxes, personal or
real, national, regional or municipal, except:

(a) indirect taxes of a kind which are normally incorporated in the
price
of goods or services;
[...]
(e) charges levied for specific services rendered;
==

So road and bridge tolls but not Vehicle Excise duty and probably not
the CC.

(same for the Embassy buildings, water and sewerage and rubbish
collection but not business rates).


--
Mike D