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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for a contribution to a parking fine?

274 replies

Zenana · 20/05/2023 10:11

I met a friend for drinks a fortnight ago who suggested a pub I was unfamiliar with. There was a car park behind. I received a £100 demand for parking where apparently shouldn't. Admittedly I didn't look at signs but as my friend lived nearby I took their word for it.

I picked up the friend from home and drove them back too. What do you think?

OP posts:
Againstmachine · 20/05/2023 10:13

It depends if the friend specifically told you it was free, yes they ought to.

But by same token read the signs and don't take others word for it.

Softoprider · 20/05/2023 10:13

OP If you were the friend in this scenario what would you do? After all. it was your decision to park there and no-one forced you

Hellzbellz25 · 20/05/2023 10:14

I'd mention it in an 'oh my god look what I've had' way but don't expect anything, she's not obliged to give you half but a decent friend would

Mingomang · 20/05/2023 10:14

You’re responsible for where you park.

RunningUpThatBuilding · 20/05/2023 10:14

As the owner/driver of the car and presumably someone who can read you are fully responsible.

Twonewcats · 20/05/2023 10:15

Hellzbellz25 · 20/05/2023 10:14

I'd mention it in an 'oh my god look what I've had' way but don't expect anything, she's not obliged to give you half but a decent friend would

I'd do this too, and hope they offer a contribution.

Compelledtopost · 20/05/2023 10:15

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Hamburgerandchips · 20/05/2023 10:18

Did friend tell you there was a car park or a free car park?

AnnWithoutAnnie · 20/05/2023 10:19

Hellzbellz25 · 20/05/2023 10:14

I'd mention it in an 'oh my god look what I've had' way but don't expect anything, she's not obliged to give you half but a decent friend would

You're joking.

I consider myself a very good friend & I have very good friends.

The Driver is responsible for parking the car, including reading the signs.

@Zenana so what if you gave them a lift? It doesn't change YOUR responsibility as a driver. Jesus wept.

TravelDazzle · 20/05/2023 10:20

Unless she specifically told you its free parking, it's on you as the driver to check signs and if payment is needed.

Hermanfromguesswho · 20/05/2023 10:22

I’d mention it in a ‘that car park you said was free has obviously changed as I’ve just received a fine. Just thought I’d let you know so you don’t get caught out again!’ And see what they say

AnnWithoutAnnie · 20/05/2023 10:22

Hamburgerandchips · 20/05/2023 10:18

Did friend tell you there was a car park or a free car park?

Around here, you just have to log your number plate at the bar. It's free, but only for pub patrons, not just anyone. Obviously it's not a perfect system
as you could log in then go shopping, but it does seem to have stopped CF's filling up the carpark so patrons can actually park there.

MrsSkylerWhite · 20/05/2023 10:23

TravelDazzle · Today 10:20
Unless she specifically told you its free parking, it's on you as the driver to check signs and if payment is needed.

Rainbowshit · 20/05/2023 10:23

It's not your friend's fault you didn't read the signs.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 20/05/2023 10:24

YABU - you're the driver, it's your responsibility to check.

I would let your friend know what happened though!

MyCupIsFull · 20/05/2023 10:24

You were the driver, your responsibility
Mention it to them though they may offer to pay half

daisychain01 · 20/05/2023 10:25

No way, don't embarrass yourself by blaming your friend. You're the car owner/driver, I'm afraid on this one you need to pay the fine and move forward. If its £30, and you ask for half, are you really willing to risk your friendship for such a small amount of money. Its in the CF category imo

Onelifeonly · 20/05/2023 10:27

Not unless your friend was utterly convinced it was free parking, to the extent you didn't check.

rookiemere · 20/05/2023 10:27

daisychain01 · 20/05/2023 10:25

No way, don't embarrass yourself by blaming your friend. You're the car owner/driver, I'm afraid on this one you need to pay the fine and move forward. If its £30, and you ask for half, are you really willing to risk your friendship for such a small amount of money. Its in the CF category imo

It's £100 as clearly stated in OP.
I'd mention it and never give her a lift again unless she offered me something towards it.

Funkyslippers · 20/05/2023 10:28

What did you take their word for exactly?

Sererus · 20/05/2023 10:28

I wouldn't even mention it in the ways suggested, it's very obviously a slightly embarrassing subtle beg and a "good friend" wouldn't have to pay. To echo another poster, as the driver with the ability to observe and read signs, it's your responsibility to check where you leave your car.

TravelDazzle · 20/05/2023 10:29

rookiemere · 20/05/2023 10:27

It's £100 as clearly stated in OP.
I'd mention it and never give her a lift again unless she offered me something towards it.

Show quote history

WTF? Seriously? You wouldn't ever give a friend a lift again EVER because she didn't pay towards a fine in a carpark that she may not have even known was paid-parking? Insanity.

SomePosters · 20/05/2023 10:30

Depends, were they drinking and you driving by arrangement?

Sugaristheenemy · 20/05/2023 10:30

Car parks are very rarely free so I’m surprised you didn’t read the signs to check.

I get that your annoyed with you friend but it it really more her fault than it is yours?

CC4712 · 20/05/2023 10:31

What exactly did the friend say re the parking?

You were the driver and YOU are responsible for the car.

If your friend had said 'this road has a 40 m/hr speed limit, and then you were caught on a speed camera because it was actually only a 30m/hr limit, would she still be liable??? 🙄