I drove to Oxford on Sunday recently and parked in St Giles to have a cup of tea in a nearby restaurant with a friend.

On emerging, I found a ticket on the car for not "purchasing" a ticket.

The notice on the machine, which I read before going to the restaurant, said: "Free Sunday parking, 8.30am to 6.30pm."

I did not read beyond the first line - I did not think I had to. Would you?

Reading further down, I am allowed only two hours "free parking" and have to get a ticket from the machine.

I was caught out. I have never had to obtain a ticket for free parking before. It does not feel right.

Should I consult the trading standards officer about misleading labelling?

This prompted me to calculate how many other fines/taxes I had paid that day: 1. Council tax, contribution to county roads 2. Vehicle tax disc contribution 3. Fuel duty 4. VAT on fuel and fuel duty 5. Contribution to restaurant business rate 6. VAT on cup of tea in restaurant 7. Profit to the parking control company for administering the parking ticket 8. Profit to Oxfordshire County Council, which controls parking.

Can other readers beat paying eight different taxes/charges in a single day, just to have a cup of tea?

Long live Rip-off Oxford, and Rip-off Britain.

RC WHITWORTH Winter Lane West Hanney