Russian diplomats ratchet up record unpaid parking fines in Japan

Russians continue to be the worst offenders among cars with foreign diplomatic number plates when it comes to not paying off parking fines in Japan.

According to a country-wise list obtained by FNN through a freedom of information request from the National Police Agency, under the diplomatic immunity provided by the Vienna Convention, the number of unpaid parking fines by diplomatic vehicles that have been ignored for five years thus reaching the statute of limitations, has continued to see Russia as the worst culprit. In fiscal 2022, Russia accounted for 2,338 cases, or 59% of the total, an increase from 46% in 2021.

China, which had the second-highest number, reduced its cases from 638 to 246, less than half. Kazakhstan ranked third, followed by Egypt, Iran, and Ukraine.

On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates, which had been among the top 20 worst, made all payments and for the first time reported '0 cases'.

Following a series of reports by FNN, the payment of parking violations by most countries has significantly improved over the years, while Russia's delinquency continues unabated.

Source: https://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/139380.php

Comprehension

Which country's diplomats have the highest number of unpaid parking fines in Japan?
What is the reason behind the high number of unpaid parking fines by diplomatic vehicles?
How many cases of unpaid parking fines were attributed to Russia in fiscal 2022?
Which country had the second-highest number of unpaid parking fines by diplomatic vehicles in Japan?
What is the significance of the Vienna Convention in relation to unpaid parking fines by diplomatic vehicles?
Which country reported zero cases of unpaid parking fines for the first time?
What has been the trend in the payment of parking violations by most countries over the years?
What is the impact of the statute of limitations on unpaid parking fines by diplomatic vehicles?

Discussion

Have you ever received a parking fine? How did you handle it?
What are the consequences of not paying parking fines in your country?
Do you think diplomatic immunity should cover parking fines? Why or why not?
How can countries ensure that foreign diplomats adhere to local laws, including traffic regulations?
What are some differences in traffic regulations between your country and Japan?
How do parking violations affect the flow of traffic in a city?
What are some measures that can be taken to reduce parking violations in a city?
How do unpaid parking fines affect the local government's revenue?

Vocabulary

Offenders - people who have committed a crime or a breach of rules.
Diplomatic immunity - the protection given to diplomats from being prosecuted under the laws of the country in which they are working.
Delinquency - failure to fulfill a duty or obligation, especially a financial one.
Statute of limitations - a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
Consequence - a result or effect of an action or condition.
Adhere - to act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation.
Violation - an act that breaks a law, rule, or agreement.
Revenue - the income that a government or company receives regularly.