There is nothing worse than paying for something and then still getting fined for something else.

This week, while on a visit to this place called Manchester, I was fined for not having parked my car properly.

I had hurried to get some change and then deposited the stupid amount of £1.35 for a paltry 30 minutes parking in a city centre bay.

But when I returned well within the allotted time there it was — that yellow sticker on the windscreen.

The reason given on the ticket was ‘not parked correctly within parking bay’.

The thing was one of my tyres was touching the white line, which itself was faded.

Now, we as human beings don’t mind being taken advantage of.

But when you follow the rules to realise that you have broken another one – it makes your blood boil.

I was just about to find the nearest parking warden to throw the race card at when I realised something – it doesn’t really matter, does it?

We have become a people of fines, complaints and administration charges.

All the while someone, somewhere is finding a new way to make money out of you.

There used to be a time when things made sense but even when you follow a rule they stick another knife into your back and turn it to leave you gasping for air.

Okay, it wasn’t that bad but you should have been there when I got the ticket.

Yes, I know the majority of us deserve to be penalised for things like this but life is more than just dodging fines and bills, isn’t it?

What’s next? You parked displaying multiple pay and display tickets?

You parked at an out-of-order meter during controlled hours? Your vehicle parked more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway? You parked with your engine running where prohibited.

Oh, those are already in force. Time to throw in the towel people.