La multa di Paolo

In the morning, Paolo drives towards the centre of Alberobello. The streets are busy and noisy. He finds a parking space near a café. He is in a hurry and forgets to pay at the parking meter.

He runs to the bank for a small thing. Time passes quickly and his appointment is late. When he comes out of the bank, he realizes that the car has been parked for more than an hour.

He hurries back to his car to put some coins in the parking meter. But when Paolo returns, he sees a piece of paper on the windshield. He says, “Oh no! A ticket! I can't believe it!” He looks at the ticket. It is a €65.00 parking ticket.

He feels surprised and a little angry with himself. A traffic officer is standing nearby. Paolo moves closer and says, “Excuse me, can I explain?”

The traffic warden listens. Paolo says, “I forgot to pay. I am really sorry.”

The traffic warden says, “I am also sorry. I waited fifteen minutes, but then I must give a ticket. Please, next time you must remember. Rules are important.” Paolo sighs and nods his head.

Paolo says, “You are right. I will be more careful.” He goes to the parking meter and looks at the parking prices. It costs €1.50 per hour. He shakes his head and says, “What bad luck!” He learns his lesson for today and decides to go home. It has been a very expensive visit to the bank.