Late payer

Jun 9 2008

An American woman tried to pay a parking fine imposed during a visit to Germany - 12 years late.

The woman, identified only as Julie H, from Utah, collected the 50-mark (about £20) parking ticket in 1996 during a trip to Cologne.

She said she didn't understand local parking rules and ignored the fine because she was annoyed.

But now she has written to the city authorities enclosing a 100 US dollar (£50) traveller's cheque to cover the money owning.

Police thanked her, but sent the money back because the offence had expired under the statute of limitations.