h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I took a drive out into the Southern Alps yesterday. It was a cloudless day, warm with a brisk nor'wester blowing.

The scenery is utterly breathtaking. I don't think I have ever experienced anything quite like it.

My head and eyes were so full of the beauty of the place that I didn't notice that I was over the speed limit. But a policeman did

My first speeding ticket Silly old fool that I am

oh dear!

Well at least it was memorable!

Will that mean a fine or points on your licence or both? Can you appeal and cite the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings as mitigating circumstances?

its never been the same since the man with the red flag stopped walking in front of cars

Do you know? I haven't looked at the ticket I do know that it's an $80 fine But I don't know about the points....

No points

bet the copper said "bloody tourists"

He was awfy nice actually

When I gave him my NZ driver's licence, he was a bit confused. When I explained I'm new here and it was my first drive in the Southern Alps in my new car, he was totally apologetic about having to give me a ticket

It was a fair cop, so I have no problem with it. It certainly didn't spoil my day, even though I did feel a fool.

Love the red flag comment, Prof

he could have still shown sympathy and let you off with a kind warning

He'd already written the ticket when he got the whole story. Anyway, I don't mind - I was speeding after all.

but you still have $80 to cough up ?

Yes, but it's okay.

If I'd been accused of something I hadn't done, I'd be sore, but I did it, so I'm not.

well I'm on your side - err speed sign not in good view

I'm away to kip. sleep well when your time comes round lovenight flower

well I'm on your side - err speed sign not in good view

I'm away to kip, sleep well when your time comes round lovenight flower

hootoo acting up again on me

Well my dear fb,

You made me laugh out loud when I read this. How have I missed the news of the new car - I suppose over the emtional roller-coaster of the last few days.

So pleased you love the Southern Alpes and as you say, it was worth it.

But why on earth do you speed through such spectacularly beautiful scenery?

It is practically as wicked as drinking a magnificent bottle of quicily because it is so nice. !I was tempted to on several occasions - aeons ago. !!!!

With affection

christiane. AR80

I'm not surprised that the policeman was totally apologetic about giving the ticket.
I love watching 'Motorway Patrol' and 'Police Ten 7'. New Zealand Cops seem to be the most polite coppers in the world.

Have you ever met a Samoan policeman? They are heavenly More like tourist guides than coppers and sooooo polite. One even arranged for my coffee and scone to be delivered to my table at a cafe he directed (and took) me to

But I'm happy that Kiwi cops are polite And another bonus is no guns It always made me feel a wee bit edgy in Australia that there were loaded firearms hanging round policepeople's belts.

On the news this morning a disturbed 15 year old boy was shot dead by police. He was rushing at them with knives. (They'd already tried capsicum spray on him)

I wonder how NZ police would've dealt with that.

No idea, except as they don't carry guns, he wouldn't have been shot. How horrible

Does NZ have an armed police branch, like the UK?

Not much use in the heat of the moment, obviously, if they have to be called to an incident.