Tesco refusing to fill petrol on the wrong side of the pump?

jazzy

After queuing up for ages today for petrol at a Tesco's garage I was refused to fill up because I parked the wrong side of the pump. The only reason that I parked this way was to make more room behind me. I have a small car and the petrol hose was not stretched in any way. The attendant wanted me to go around again and queue up again, needless to say I drove off.

So why do filling stations not allow filling up on the opposite of the pump?

Viper_7

Most quote "safety" if the hose is not an extended one that is purposefully long enough to reach around the vehicle.

I'd wouldn't use either, wouldn't want a fuel covered hose draped across the paintwork, cuts through the lacquer easily and damages the finish.

Sagaris

I have no idea - but I've never been refused if I queue up on the 'wrong' side of the punp. Seems strange to me?

WestonDave

The nearest Tesco to me has signs actively encouraging people to fill up on both sides - little pictures of cars with the hose over the top to the far side.

Kilty_2

WestonDave wrote: »

The nearest Tesco to me has signs actively encouraging people to fill up on both sides - little pictures of cars with the hose over the top to the far side.

EVERY Tesco I've been in has this!

Was it a Tesco Express/Esso site by any chance?

skiTTish

I think he means he parked on the wrong side of the island NOT with his filling cap on the wrong side?

usignuolo

It has happened to me in the past, and I have been quoted safety reasons why petrol hose cannot be draped over the car boot to reach filler cap. I therefore hold hose in the air above the boot when I have to fill from opposite side to cap.

jazzy

skiTTish wrote: »

I think he means he parked on the wrong side of the island NOT with his filling cap on the wrong side?

I was not on the wrong side of the island, and the filler cap side of the car was on the opposite side of the pump. It was a main Tesco store filling station.

My son in law said he had a similar experience a few weeks ago although this was not a Tesco garage. So perhaps there is some new law being introduced?

quidsin

I haven't heard of any law but when I done my forcourt saftety course the instructor did mention there is a possibility of overfilling when some pump nozzles are used upside down.

Viper_7

quidsin wrote: »

I haven't heard of any law but when I done my forcourt saftety course the instructor did mention there is a possibility of overfilling when some pump nozzles are used upside down.

Indeed, the fuel pump in the nozzle is in air - you'll note on the pump nozzle another small pipe on the underside. when this is submerged (ie your tank is full) the pressure drops and this cuts off the supply.
If it's not a long hose - ie not meant for filling both sides then the pump nozzle is usually upside down/side on as that's the only way it will reach, thus you potentially can have fuel peeing out over ones feet.

As from the top - it's a safety issue. no debate is required!

jazzy

Viper_7 wrote: »

As from the top - it's a safety issue. no debate is required!

Because it's a safety issue I am not going to argue and I will never do this again.

So the moral of the story is don't try filling your car on the wrong side of the pump or you may find yourself at the back of the queue again.