Foreign embassies asked to pay tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid parking fines

Foreign embassies have been told to pay up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid parking fines after Diplomats were busted breaking Australian laws.

Almost half of the debt is owed by Russia - which denies ignoring the law and repeated warnings.

Drivers of luxury BMWs not paying for parking and overstaying the time limit.

P-plated Range Rovers seen in a loading zone and Diplomats taking the spots reserved for doctors or nurses.

And they're not paying the fines.

"I'm sure it wasn't urgent diplomatic business so people should do the right thing," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

Embassies and high commissions have 423 unpaid parking tickets, totalling more than $58,000.

Russia is the worst offender - issued with 175 tickets and reminders, owing more than $23,000.

Afghanistan has 25 unpaid fines, 21 for Romania, 17 for Ghana, 16 for Nepal and Tonga has 13.

While the China, Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Iran, Indonesia, and the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) all have unpaid debts also.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urges all diplomats to abide by Australian law and pay their fines. However, if they don't, individuals can't be taken to court.

"We would be pleased to see a greater level of voluntary contribution from those who are breaking the law," Barr said.

Russia has denied ignoring the law and after 9News raised questions, the Embassy said it's in talks with the Department of Foreign Affairs about the debt, adding it will try to find "acceptable solutions".

Two months ago 9News revealed diplomats had also amassed unpaid speeding fines of more than $50,000.