Improper parking of 'shiro-taku' (unlicensed taxis) on the streets of Kamakura, a city in Japan, has caused issues for emergency vehicles, particularly ambulances. Given the narrow roads and dense traffic in Kamakura, this unregulated street parking impedes their ability to swiftly respond to emergency calls. A specific case has gained attention where an ambulance was forced to considerably reduce its speed. The incident represents an ongoing issue of urban traffic management in the city.

In Japan, any obstruction to emergency services is regarded as a serious social problem due to the country's emphasis on punctuality and efficiency. Furthermore, shiro-taku, or unlicensed taxis, are illegal in Japan, which adds another layer of complication to the issue. Public sentiment is largely against shiro-taku, as they are perceived as flouting the law and causing unnecessary social disturbance.

In the US or EU, the problem of unauthorized parking possibly obstructing emergency services exists as well. However, the response to such problems varies. Penalties might range from fines to towing of the vehicle. Some cities may also use tech innovations like smart parking systems to better regulate parking and avoid such issues.