Diplomats Owe Millions In Parking Fines

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Diplomats Owe Millions In Parking Fines

July 10, 2012

Figures have been released that show that diplomats in London owe almost £60 million in parking fines and congestion charges.

William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, has released figures on outstanding fines and unpaid congestion charges owed by diplomats and international organisations in the UK.

The figures, dating between 2003 and 2011, show that US diplomats top the list with 54,156 fines, owing a total of £6 million. Coming in second, Russian diplomats owe £4.6 million. Japanese and German diplomats were also shown to owe significant amounts between £3 - £4 million.

Others of the 64 countries on the list include North Korea and Nigeria, however, the amounts owed are far more modest with fines of £150,090 and £67,585 respectively.

In addition to this, diplomatic missions and international organisations in the UK in 2011 owed a staggering £331,323 in parking fines alone. A further £145,964 has been written off by local councils.

Commenting on this William Hague has said that the Foreign Office is trying to persuade diplomats to settle their debts. He stated:

“Although diplomats are entitled to immunity from criminal prosecutions, they are still expected to obey the law.”

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18725937