Diplomatic vehicles in London have racked up more than £200,000 in parking fines on the capital's red routes over the past four years.
New research, obtained through a Freedom of Information request to Transport for London, shows a consistent rise in violations by diplomatic missions.
The analysis uncovered 1,782 fines issued to diplomatic vehicles between 2021 and 2025 for breaching parking restrictions on London's most congested roads.
Most concerning is the sharp 96 per cent increase in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued to diplomatic vehicles, rising from 267 in 2021 to 523 in 2024.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Several High Commissions attract more penalty charge notices for parking than others
GETTY/PA
Red routes, marked by their distinctive red lines, cover just five per cent of London's roads but carry 30 per cent of the city's traffic, making them vital arteries for the capital's transportation network.
These critical thoroughfares are designed to ensure clear, efficient routes for commuters and emergency vehicles throughout London.
Despite their importance, diplomatic vehicles are not exempt from parking restrictions on these routes, with penalties set at £160 for violations, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
With 168 diplomatic missions located in London, many in Central London where red routes are prevalent, compliance with parking regulations is essential for maintaining traffic flow.
The data found that many of the parking fines remain unpaid
PAThe Nigerian High Commission tops the list of diplomatic offenders, accumulating 197 PCNs since 2021, with violations steadily increasing from 43 in 2021 to 61 in 2024. While Nigeria had £9,600 in outstanding fines in 2024, this has decreased to £2,000 in 2025.
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia follows with 128 PCNs over the four-year period, peaking at 39 fines in 2022. Their outstanding amount has fallen from £2,720 in 2024 to just £480 this year.
Iraq's embassy ranks third with 110 parking violations on red routes, reducing their unpaid fines from £5,600 in 2024 to £1,360 in 2025.
By 2024, the total number had reached 523 PCNs, nearly double the figure from just three years earlier. The first four months of 2025 have already seen 124 PCNs issued to diplomatic vehicles parked illegally on red routes.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Despite efforts to collect these fines, TfL data shows there was still £15,000 in outstanding parking penalties from January to April this year alone.
Graham Conway, from Select Fleet Solutions, said: "It's eye-opening to see the number of unpaid parking fines racked up by diplomatic vehicles, especially along London's critical red routes.
"It's crucial that all vehicles, regardless of their affiliation, follow the same road rules.
"The growing number of fines issued to diplomatic vehicles shows a need for greater attention to compliance, particularly on red routes that are essential to the city's functioning."
The High Commission of Nigeria was found to have been issued the highest number of PCNs since 2021
PA
Embassies with the highest number of parking PCNs issued (January 2021-April 2025)
High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria - 197
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia - 128
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq - 110
High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka - 93
High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan - 67
Most Read
