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Original poster

Who should pay parking fine...WWYD?

66 replies

VelvetSpoon · 22/12/2015 20:25

I should start by saying I don't drive - or can't drive, or whatever the appropriate expression is on MN. I have a car, but no driving licence. I've taken tests and failed in the past, I intend to try again in the New Year.

So if I travel anywhere by car, it's mostly with my boyfriend in his car (him driving, obviously).

Recently, we were on our way out in the morning, and gave my DS a lift to school (it's only a 10 min walk, but as we were passing the school anyway it made sense to give him a lift). So dropped him off, and carried on our journey. We dropped him in a small inlet/layby (it's only just about the length of a car). Outside the layby ie on the edge of the road, are hazard markings.

You've probably guessed what's coming next - when bf's car pulled up, it wasn't quite fully in the layby, and one of his offside wheels was just touching the hazards for the 15 seconds we stopped. This was all caught by one of those camera cars - so it's quite clear evidence and unlikely any appeal would work (even though he was barely touching the markings, and we only stopped for a short time).

So there's a fine to pay. Bf and I don't live together, separate finances. He's not working at present (taking a few months off after a contract ended), and earlier this month had to fork out a few hundred pounds after some vandalism to his car. I am working, and generally in a better financial position (although things are a bit tight this month due to Xmas and that I've just spent nearly £2000 on having work done at my house...it's his car, but he was doing me a favour dropping off DS...

So taking all that into account, who in your view should pay? I've already almost certainly decided in my own mind, just interested in some other opinions.

OP posts:
MidniteScribbler · 22/12/2015 20:44

Hmmmm arse splinters.

What was the conversation in the car? "Oh, just pull up there, everyone does it"? Did he object to where you told him to stop?

DrGoogleWillSeeYouNow · 22/12/2015 20:46

You should pay.

purplefizz26 · 22/12/2015 20:47

A kind person (passenger) would offer to go halves if the driver was doing them a favour. They shouldn't feel obliged to though.

I do think the driver is actually fully responsible here, they are driving and are in control of everything. Why should passengers have to pay fines/be punished when somebody else is doing the driving and therefore responsible for adhering to laws and rules of the road.

His car
His driving
His parking
His fault
His responsibility
Where he was travelling to and why doesn't even come into it!!

Blu · 22/12/2015 20:49

RedSoloCup: the link explains that there are many exclusions to the ban on camera car fines: including by schools.

If I was driving I would kick myself but take responsibility. Because in London you know that while it is SO easy to get blocked with your back wheel in a yellow box or park with one wheel outside a marked bay, or move slightly into a bus lane to avoid a bus overtaking a cyclist and hurtling towards you, there will always be a damn camera, on a post or a Smart Car.

However, since you cannot drive at present, and therefore he takes these risks on your behalf, I would pay.

Arfarfanarf · 22/12/2015 20:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TartanBirdFeeder · 22/12/2015 20:51

He's the one that didn't park legally but I think you should offer to pay half.

londonrach · 22/12/2015 20:52

Thought you banned those pop up cars now. Split the fine between the two of you as the only fair thing to do. Its his responsibilty as the driver but if you are a nce person as he doing you a favour split it or pay all.

Blu · 22/12/2015 20:53

He wasn't actually on the yellow zig zags was he?
I have never seen a bay inside the yellow school zig zags
That you are allowed to pull into Confused What were these 'hazard ' markings exactly!

CalleighDoodle · 22/12/2015 20:53

I was opening the post to say driver should pay. However, in your circumstances, if he isnt working and you are, if i was in his position i would hope my dh would pay.

LynetteScavo · 22/12/2015 20:55

He was driving, and ultimately decided where to drive/stop the car, so he should pay - but I would offer to pay, just to be nice.

If I had the fine though, no way would I would accept the money if you offered to pay.

SushiAndTheBanshees · 22/12/2015 20:58

He should as he was driving/parking.

But this is your partner, he was doing you a favour, he is less able to pay than you.

Therefore, you should pay - and tell him why, and have a conversation about parking nazis.

mintoil · 22/12/2015 21:00

Split it.

JennyOnAPlate · 22/12/2015 21:01

The driver should pay (unless you told him to park badly??)

For the sake of your relationship though I'm going to suggest you split it.

TheFairyCaravan · 22/12/2015 21:01

He should pay. He decided to park there, he was in control of the car, it's his fault not your's.

DrGoogleWillSeeYouNow · 22/12/2015 21:02

I think if you make him pay and don't even offer to split it at least, then you should never ask or expect a lift from him again.

hefzi · 22/12/2015 21:04

I would offer to pay, and then agree to go halves if he absolutely insisted: whilst he was in control of the car, he wouldn't have been there at all had it not been for doing you/your DC a favour.

Blu · 22/12/2015 21:06

Were the hazard markings yello zig zags?

shazzarooney99 · 22/12/2015 21:07

If its your child then i would say you to e honest. if the child is his i would say it should split. or do you think he should taxi you everywhere and you not foot the cost at all?

Morganly · 22/12/2015 21:08

I think you should offer to pay for several reasons:

He drives you about a lot
You were dropping off your child
You are in a better financial position than him at the moment

If I was him and had incurred a fine doing you and your child a favour but was told it was my responsibility because I was the driver/owner etc etc, I think I'd be less inclined to drive you places in future.

rainbowstardrops · 22/12/2015 21:11

I wish that every driver who parked on the zig-zags at the school opposite me got fined every time they parked there. That would stop the buggers!

cdtaylornats · 22/12/2015 21:11

If it wasn't for you he (and his car) wouldn't have been there - you should pay.

FishWithABicycle · 22/12/2015 21:36

He was the driver in charge of the vehicle. Most probably it should be him who pays as he chose that place to stop.

UNLESS you directed him "pull in here" - in which case although he has moral responsibility, it would be appropriate to offer to pay half in acknowledgement that you incited and abetted the crime.

(Nb this has sat on my phone screen for half an hour so may be cross posting)

Jux · 22/12/2015 21:41

His car.
He was driving.
His decision.

As you are better off atm I'd offer to pay.

BoneyBackJefferson · 22/12/2015 21:43

At very least you should pay half.

orlakielyimnot · 22/12/2015 21:46

Of course is his car and his responsibility but he's not public transport, you're in a relationship. Unless you've previously let him know that you didn't support him in this then it's either your fine or both of yours to pay. Unless you would like to end your relationship now.

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