An embarrassing question - a parking fine already!

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 19:09

Couldn't believe it - parked up outside the office in Lefkoşa, to get my driving licence exchanged, following the directions of our Turk Cypriot friend - no yellow lines in sight - only to have a ticket when we came back to the car. The traffic warden kindly kicked away the dirt to show me the hidden (very faded) lines! That's why my friend doesn't drive, he cheerfully told me!!! I've been driving for 20yrs in the UK and never had a ticket, less than 6 months here and I've managed to earn one already!



Anyway, back to business, I've worked out I've got to pay within 15 days. Does anyone know where I've to pay?



Thanks.

Albert5



Joined: 19/12/2009
Posts: 59

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 20:07

Welcome to Cyprus...



You can pay at the police station of Girne, near the Wednesday market, or at the Central Office in Nicosia (I don't remember the name). But try first the police station.



Good luck!

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 20:11

Don't feel bad. I got speeding fines here and never had any in my life in any country before. Different rules and zerotolerance, me thinks. Unfortunately they don't provide the white liners here that operate in U.K (or yellow liners) and yet in other places where there are strongly markefd double yellow lines, there are cars galore (I have photos to prove it), so it is a matter of luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.



The police station should take the money in Kyrenia as Albert5 says.



Someone has to pay their wages!!!!!!

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 20:13

There's all them car parks around that building and you go and park directly outside the doors.

You are adapting to the Cypriot way of life well Pippie

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 21:04

Ok, thanks. And you've made me feel quite proud of myself!!! Almost a citizen already!

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 21:53

Made you feel at home then Pippie ;-)

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
25/02/2010 22:39

Pipie,

another parking fine like that and then you can rightfully apply for TRNC citizenship

ismet

andrew4232



Joined: 04/07/2009
Posts: 1543

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 08:05

there must be a car park behind the office that holds at least 200 cars how could miss it !!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 08:20

To be fair Andrew you do only see that car park when you leave the area if you come from the main drag.



Of course if you'd taken photos of the apparent invisibility of the yellow lines you could have argued your case in court. I bet there were no signs stipulating 'No Parking At Any Time' to be seen. If the lines are not clearly visible it's unfair, and fairness is an intrinsic part of any legal system based on what ostensibly UK law.



Ismet, the old court war-horse, would win his case, you'd probably lose.

andrew4232



Joined: 04/07/2009
Posts: 1543

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 09:33

of course no signs but there is usually a polis woman lurking about with her ticket book she usually hides in the little cay place on the corner

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 09:44

Why did you go to Lefkosia you can get a driving licence in Girne, and renew as well.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 11:49

msg. 9

Many years ago I parked my car on the main road in Croydon where they were suppossed to have double yellow lines but for the new road works that morning. The traffic warden stuck a ticket on my window and eventually I appeared at Croydon Magistrates court. The law was different for London Greater Area compared to the rest of the country. For London you could have parking restrictions without the need for double yellow lines and I had copies of the House of Lords ruling on that subject. Nevertheless I argued that they did have double lines in the vicinity and hence by implication lack of yellow lines meant that parking was not prohibited. The attorney was taken by surprise and could not say anything apart from pointing out the House of Lords decision which I had quoted earlier. It took the magistrate and his advisers about 45 minutes to decide. The verdict was: Guilty but full discharge i.e. no fine.

ismet

Oleander


Joined: 03/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 17:41

Don't pay it if the lines and signs are not visible. Where is the mens rea? Where is Chris Rea, for that matter?

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
26/02/2010 17:47

Double yellows, I was at a mates in twickenham a few years back and a worker was pushing a yellow line painting machine along the side of the road and as we watched he came across a large pile of dog mess and negociated his machine round it still painting the lines, it was the funniest think i'd seen in a long time and the lines stayed like that for the next couple of years,