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I really am getting fed up with this place. On the 4th of
June this year, at 18:38 (not exactly rush hour on a Saturday) I parked just
next to Parson's Green in Fulham. Knowing that the pavement jockeys with their
little uniforms and caps love doling out fines I made a conscious effort to pay
for my parking. I went to the meter to get my pay and display - it wasn't
working - so I crossed the green to the meter on the other side. Paid there
and displayed. Returned at 18:40 (as I knew I had 'till 18:45) to find I'd
missed the little f***er by 2 minutes. (I reckon they do the paperwork and then
run like hell). I'd parked in Zone Q - or something, but my ticket was for Zone
D. I wrote a letter the turds at Hammersmith and Fulham Council telling them
their time would be better spent checking the ticket machines than charging me
and that I wouldn't be paying the fine. They wrote back and told me that if I
didn't pay it in 14 days, it would go up to £80 (from £40).
Anyway, the following week, in Clapham, I got another one
for getting my pay and display from the wrong machine. I parked - let it be said
- opposite the machine, but at the other end of the road was a sign saying that
the side I was on was for permit holders only. Again, I'd paid for parking and
been fined. I was closer to the machine I'd paid into than I was to the sign
saying I wasn't allowed to park there. Again, I wrote to them. Again they wrote
back saying that it was now £80 and I am welcome to appeal, but if my appeal is
rejected, the charge will go up to £120. AND THERE IS NO RECOURSE! I swear I
hate Britain.
The Prime Minister can lie to Parliament, invade a country
on false pretences and get re-elected, but some little bald guy in a Skoda has
to cough up the annual income of the average Basotho family for parking on the
wrong side of the road.
It really is time for me to leave. Watch this space.
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