BEWARE - petrol pump meter readings are evidently not reliable.

Previously, I took them for granted and did not watch constantly as the digits were spinning, but only at the approach of the amount required.

Recently, this was to be £10-worth, but as I watched, the digits jumped to £11.02.

Obviously, I reported and explained this unusual occurrence so as not to be overcharged. The attendant accepted it despite pointing out that this could not possibly happen.

As an afterthought, it occurred to me that had I required £15-worth, I would not have noticed the faulty digits and wondered how often the pump had given wrong readings to others.

In future, I shall watch most intently during the entire operation. It would be interesting to know if others have had this experience - or was mine unique?

J MARSDEN, Scarborough Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.