THE PAIN OF BEING TOWED
In my previous column entitled “Towed” I described what happened when we doubled-parked our car on 26th November, 2009. We were trying to attend an appointment and we could not find anywhere to park, so we did what many other drivers did and made a second line and left our handbrake in the off position. Some cars were left with their emergency lights blinking, which I always think simply draws attention to the offence that you are committing.
When our appointment was over we returned to where we left the car and it had been towed away. We took a taxi to the impound centre and paid 139.44 euros to retrieve it. The receipt said that sum was comprised of 91 euros for the fine and 48.44 for the towing fee. With this type of receipt I think it’s important to maintain it in a safe place, just in case there’s a question later.
Later arrived in February when we received a summons for the “unpaid” fine. I decided I would simply take the receipt and show that we had indeed paid the fine. The problem is that I’m still trying to find the safe place that I placed the receipt in and time has run out. Unable to prove my point I have had to pay the fine again, although they gave me a discount.
What’s the chances that happened naturally? Firstly, if the towing fee really is 139.44 euros, that would be absolutely outrageous, but the lady at the government office was adamant that was only the fee for the towing. However, why would the impound centre release my car without having me pay the complete charge? It is possible as the impound centre does not issue the denuncia, so perhaps I should have been charged only the towing fee of 48.44.in the first place.
There is a story here with a bad smell and it needs to be looked into. The mere fact that I have paid twice for the same charge is criminal in itself. Unfortunately my prime exhibit is missing for the time being so I am unable to move forward, but I suggest that anyone who finds themselves in a position of having their car towed should save their receipt. It may become very important evidence later.
Also, this whole experience is making me think twice about doing as the Spanish do. I think I need to be less cavalier about where and whether I abandon my car. It gets a little expensive.
Copyright © 2010 Eugene Carmichael
In my previous column entitled “Towed” I described what happened when we doubled-parked our car on 26th November, 2009. We were trying to attend an appointment and we could not find anywhere to park, so we did what many other drivers did and made a second line and left our handbrake in the off position. Some cars were left with their emergency lights blinking, which I always think simply draws attention to the offence that you are committing.
When our appointment was over we returned to where we left the car and it had been towed away. We took a taxi to the impound centre and paid 139.44 euros to retrieve it. The receipt said that sum was comprised of 91 euros for the fine and 48.44 for the towing fee. With this type of receipt I think it’s important to maintain it in a safe place, just in case there’s a question later.
Later arrived in February when we received a summons for the “unpaid” fine. I decided I would simply take the receipt and show that we had indeed paid the fine. The problem is that I’m still trying to find the safe place that I placed the receipt in and time has run out. Unable to prove my point I have had to pay the fine again, although they gave me a discount.
What’s the chances that happened naturally? Firstly, if the towing fee really is 139.44 euros, that would be absolutely outrageous, but the lady at the government office was adamant that was only the fee for the towing. However, why would the impound centre release my car without having me pay the complete charge? It is possible as the impound centre does not issue the denuncia, so perhaps I should have been charged only the towing fee of 48.44.in the first place.
There is a story here with a bad smell and it needs to be looked into. The mere fact that I have paid twice for the same charge is criminal in itself. Unfortunately my prime exhibit is missing for the time being so I am unable to move forward, but I suggest that anyone who finds themselves in a position of having their car towed should save their receipt. It may become very important evidence later.
Also, this whole experience is making me think twice about doing as the Spanish do. I think I need to be less cavalier about where and whether I abandon my car. It gets a little expensive.
Copyright © 2010 Eugene Carmichael
