US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's car was parked for 45 minutes in a paid parking zone, but her staff failed to buy the parking. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The former US secretary of state was in town to receive a prize from the Chatham House think tank last week for her work in promoting "a new era of US diplomatic engagement".
But her entourage failed to buy the £3.30 ticket required to park the Mercedes for an hour on the exclusive St James' Square in central London, and received a £80 fine.
"The former US secretary of state was parked for nearly 45 minutes without paying," said Daniel Astaire, an elected member of Westminster City Council.
"I'm sure she will understand that we have to be fair to everyone, regardless of their status on the world stage."
There is some good news for former first lady Clinton, however -- if she pays up within 14 days, the fine will be halved to £40.
London Mayor Boris Johnson has previously complained about the refusal of US diplomats to pay a ten pound daily charge for the congestion zone in the centre of the capital.
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@Alann: you nailed it.
If Hillary Clinton was a Pakistani diplomat and fined in India, there would have been an outrage among these same Pakistanis who are now talking about how "no one is above law". Case of Adnan Sami is a prime example.
WELL DONE. LET LAW OF THE LAND BE ABOVE PERSONALITIES.
Hey fellows, do not go overboard, she is just a private citizen, no more than a privte citizen from USA. The diplomat from uganda or mali will refuse to pay!! She is no longer a VIP to be exempted from the traffic rules.
Rex Minor
None will dare do such a thing in India or Pakistan. Even a member of assembly took the police to task in Punjab for stopping him not long ago- without consequence.
Good job Traffic Warden. It is however sad to see this in oddity section. It is indeed odd in Pakistan to see a VIP ticketed. Not so much in UK.
This is how the rule of law is supposed to be. No one is above law. Well done London traffic police.
Rule is a rule and no one is above the law.
Why did this does not happen in Pakistan?
Should Pakistani Traffic Police be sent for training to London? But what Pakistani Traffic Police will do when they will be asked to obey the illegal orders from the big bosses?