this post was submitted on 02 Oct 2024
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I can't wrap my head around how people can ignore all those red flags. 2-3 days ago I just got a text from a random number about some parking fine. Not just that, but it said that that day was the last day I could get a 50% DISCOUNT on the fine. A fucking DISCOUNT! What's next? I can use my Nectar card? Do I get a loyalty card with a stamp on it? But it's not even the fact that I wasn't contacted by mail, or there was no other contact given; I don't even have a fucking car. Or a driving license in this country.
I got a fine for not getting my bus ticket stamped in Florence, Italy. Apparently if you paid it the same day it was one price and that price doubled after a week, month, etc.
Didn't matter the machine failed when I stamped it because it was out of ink. I even tried to stamp it in front of the officer. He said I could appeal it in person in court. They know tourists aren't going to appear in court to appeal. I felt scammed but after calming myself down and paying the fine the officer apologized and told me in a few words he hated his job.
I was about to comment, that here in Italy, many fines have a price if you pay in few days and give up your right to fight back, and another price if you pay before the fine is due and keep your right to seek help from a judge.
Anyway, nobody told you, that if you want to see a judge that was at least 40$ ten years ago. Just to see him once, no warranty given. And even if you can get your fine cancelled, that 40$ were gone. So at the end you pay and also pay soon so to pay less. I also hate it.
At least you have decent public transportation. My beach town has 1 bus that doesn't even run every day.
All things considered I loved my time in Italy but I suppose it's always nice as a tourist.