I happened to be at home today when the post came through the door. Amongst the other crap there was a letter addressed to the Mrs. I could see it was car related as there was a window in the envelope, so I opened it (I deal with all the car stuff). It was a Penalty Charge Notice for being in a bus lane.
We've got a few cars and this one is registered in her name. I checked the dates and it was me driving that day, somewhere I shouldn't have been, out on a punt!
When I'm punting, somewhere I have no valid reason to be I stick to the speed limits and rules religiously. I had no idea I'd entered a bus lane. I was sat in traffic boxed in by artic trucks when I realised I was in the wrong lane. I'd seen several vehicles pass to my left so moved over to the left only to be cut off by one of the trucks doing the same thing.
As well as a few pictures they even have a little video on their website that shows I had no visibility of the bus lane markings, as the trucks totally obscured my view at all times. I'd entered the bus lane just before it ended.
I've paid the charge, but I'm gutted that I can't risk appealing it! Also the planned punt fell through that day, but on the plus side I am still up £50, having saved £80 on the punt that didn't happen
. Just another thing to be mindful of when punting, avoid taking a car registered in someone else's name.
