Lightning..

... isn't going to strike twice.

Oh no, Winchester Council you're not going to catch me out again.

This time last year (roughly) we were staying with the lovely SooB in France. One morning after a fairly moderate session, for us, I was woken by a phone call from the parking department:

PD: You're parking in a penalty bay, could you come and move your car?
Me: Er, I'm in France and there wasn't any notice up when we left the UK.
PD: Well a removal van needs to park so the bays been suspended. Can you come and move your car.
Me: Er, no sorry. I'M IN FRANCE.
PD: Does anyone else have a key that can move it?
Me: No, sorry. He's in France with me.
PD: Well you'll get a ticket.
Me: Erm, there was no notification up when we left. When did you put the signs up?
PD: Tuesday evening.
Me: So 36 hours ago. We've been away for over a week. (Am I supposed to be psychic?! It's the middle of July, people might go on holiday. Did you not think it might make sense to give more notice. Of course, I was far too polite/meek/pathetic and well British to say that bit but you get the gist).
PD: Oh OK, I'll try and stop the warden giving you a ticket but if they do you'll have to appeal.
Me (off phone): steam out of ears and a few choice expletives sotto voce due to the near proximity of children.

Of course, the saga didn't end there. When we got home there was no ticket on the car. Yay, it worked. Until we then got a penalty notice of an increased fine for not paying the original fine. Cue long-winded appeal with Eurotunnel dates, photos of the car on return with no ticket (thank god for mobiles) etc etc until they finally decided to rescind the ticket.

I think this year I shall be taking lots of photos of the street before we leave.

Vx