Petrol Pump Overcharging

booter

wheelnut wrote: »

I have checked that the pumps have a valid sticker from what used to be Weights and Measures,

How? What "valid sticker"? AFAIK, each petrol pump should have a Weights and Measures "seal" - this is on the pump itself, not the nozzle or outer body. The pump is inside the body of the actual fuel dispenser. It cannot be seen unless the body is opened - and if the body is opened, then it shouldn't be in use at all.

I've only ever experienced this once - approx 15 years ago on one particular brand of petrol pump, at a brand new petrol station. I contacted my local Weights and Measures office and it was resolved. Apparently it was a new design of pump which the manufacturer's had "teething problems" with.

wheelnut

Hi Everyone,

Somewhat surprised by some of the replies to my posting. Firstly I havent dreamt it up - why would I? Secondly I have made sure that my hand is nowhere near the trigger of the nozzle when putting the nozzle in the car. This is not isolated to myself as other friends have also had it happen to them. I had hoped that I was helping everyone to get a fair deal when filling with fuel by mentioning it, but clearly that is not the case. It is my understanding that the fule cannot flow back up the pipe to the tank, so I think that the only way this can happen is when the pump stops and the trigger is held open. However I dont see why I should pay for someone elses theft - because essentially thats what it is.

Couldnt see a seal incidently, are they placed inside the pump? The sticker I refer to is the orange sticker put on by the side of the pump stating that it has been tested.

Best regards

Wheelnut

EdGasket

I've never ever seen it happen but if it did why don't you just replace the nozzle and complain to the garage there and then? They would probably waive the charge and you could start again at £0.00
It could be the hose filling up; if it has indeed been 'Chumped' as poster above suggests. How do you 'cut the pump off using hand' ?? As far as I know it is only controlled by the trigger but perhaps I am naive.

marlot

wheelnut wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

Somewhat surprised by some of the replies to my posting. Firstly I havent dreamt it up - why would I? Secondly I have made sure that my hand is nowhere near the trigger of the nozzle when putting the nozzle in the car. This is not isolated to myself as other friends have also had it happen to them. I had hoped that I was helping everyone to get a fair deal when filling with fuel by mentioning it, but clearly that is not the case. It is my understanding that the fule cannot flow back up the pipe to the tank, so I think that the only way this can happen is when the pump stops and the trigger is held open. However I dont see why I should pay for someone elses theft - because essentially thats what it is.

Couldnt see a seal incidently, are they placed inside the pump? The sticker I refer to is the orange sticker put on by the side of the pump stating that it has been tested.

Best regards

Wheelnut

I'm wondering if the pumps you use allow pay at pump using credit card. If the pump is turned off (when the payment max is reached), but the person has the nozzle trigger still opened, you might be able to shake the fuel line and get a little extra?

Strider590

EdGasket wrote: »

It could be the hose filling up; if it has indeed been 'Chumped' as poster above suggests. How do you 'cut the pump off using hand' ?? As far as I know it is only controlled by the trigger but perhaps I am naive.

You reach round and push down the (often metal) thing that the nozzle rests on, it stops the pump, then you keep the trigger open to receive what's left in the hose. I've seen it done a few times.... But I think it's very rare in this part of the country.

KierNet

Contact your local trading standards department and ask them to go and check it.

If it makes you feel better, they give out more fuel than they say, I know ours say 20 litres and they've given 20.02.

I've been working in a petrol station for over two years now, countless people complaining about not getting enough. I've done countless pump tests to prove them wrong and never had a pump dispence less fuel than its said.