Like the OP has alliuded, one of the unforeseen aspects of punting is when the unexpected happens.
He got a parking ticket, but it could be a speeding ticket in a town you were not expected to be in, or worse, an accident on the way to/from a punt. Or even worse, an accident when you have the WG in the car, giving a lift to/from train station or your car is nicked or vandalised.
In the day, I can get away with it as I have a plausible excuse, but in a strange town at night that could be awkward to explain away. I chanced my arm some weeks back. Dropped Mrs T at work, headed off for a punt which was just over an hour's drive away, had a great time, and after a supermarket visit, picked her up from work, she was none the wiser. I must be mad.