Hillary Clinton ticketed by London traffic warden

In this June 10, 2011 file photo, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton waves as the arrives at Lusaka International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia. AP FILE PHOTO

LONDON — Hillary Clinton may be tipped as a future US president, but that did not impress a London traffic warden who slapped her vehicle with an £80 (95-euro, $130) parking fine.

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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