We went to the seaside this morning (Sunday), and parked in a pay and display area. The signs said: Pay and Display, 7 days, 9am till 6pm: see meters for prices. I went to the meter (which stated: 20p per 20 minutes, no maximum duration), started putting money in, and noticed that the displayed finish time was showing immediately as Monday morning; in other words, the meter had been programmed to show Sundays as free of charge (unlike the signs which demanded payment on all 7 days). I had a look at several other cars, and they all had tickets in their windows valid till mid Monday at least. In the end I cancelled, then bought a ticket for just 20p, valid till 0920 on Monday morning, reckoning that I had paid and displayed as required on the signs ("7 days"). but that the meter must be the arbiter of how long my money was valid for ("see meters for prices").
I then spent the rest of the morning wondering whether I would come back to my car to find it ticketed by a warden for only paying 20p for a mornings parking (the ticket also said how much money you paid). It wasn't ticketed, and in fact I never saw a warden either, but was I taking a risk?! It would be useful to know if ever I go back there again...
Thanks!
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In the end I cancelled then bought a ticket for just20p valid till 0920 on Monday morning
Keep the ticket.
Any future claim for a penalty can be countered by your production of a valid ticket.
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Yup, I've got the ticket, but, to be honest, I don't think I will be given a penalty. I am really just wondering, if I go back again, which takes precedence: the signs which say you need to pay every day, or the meter which, at least today, lets you park for free on Sundays?!
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Sounds to me that they just charge a nominal sum for Sundays.
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Cynically, it would be an interesting experiment to put 40p in to see if it showed on the ticket or if it remains at 20p. If the former, someone is on the "Nelson Riddle". The retail equivalent sadly happens all the time. The till operator rings up....say..... £2.99 for a £29.99 sale, takes the full price from the customer and pockets the difference.
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I know what would happen, as I looked at several other car's tickets - it would show 0940 as the departure time. Many people had put several pounds in the meter, and consequently their tickets were showing late morning or early afternoon on the Monday. I very much doubt that was how long they were intending to stay - I would imagine that they hadn't peered too closely at the display as they shoved their money in, but rather had calculated how many pounds they would need for however many hours they intended to visit, and didn't realise that the meter was giving them Sunday for free - unlike the signs!
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I've seen "Sunday Free" in many places but a lot of people still feed the meteres.
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Could simply be that the ticket machine was a day ahead of itself?
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I think this is the norm., or at least it was when I lived in Guildford many moons ago. You'll also find it on the continent, although I can't remember where exactly.
Cheers
BB
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"You'll also find it on the continent, although I can't remember where exactly."
I presume you mean "Sunday free"? It is certainly pretty normal in France where Sundays are usually free, and Bank Holidays. It is also common that lunchtimes (12 noon 'til 2pm)are free. Froggies seem to have a different attitude to parking - we charge to maximise fees, they seem to charge on the basis that if they make it free or cheap we will use their cafes/shops etc.
Can't ever remember having a problem parking in France (even often with a caravan on the back!!) even right on sea front on bank holidays, on the other hand try Scarborough - costs a fortune and usually a long walk from the beach.
By the way - this does not necessarily apply to Paris - but on rare occasions I have parked there can't remember thinking it was expensive or difficult.
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