Petrol station problems

Just a story about my ride home tonight. I was riding home on the bike, ran out of fuel right outside the garage so i pushed it in to fill up in Tesco’s express Norbury, A23 (south London).

Pulled in, opened fuel tank, put in pump, tried to pay at the pump but the machine was out of order seemingly. The security guard (always worrying at a petrol station) comes out and tells me the cashier didnt see me come in and didnt get my reg so i have to pay first.

“Err , I ask, I pushed it in as I was out of fuel, how could you miss my reg?” Sorry he says, it’s policy! I said “what to miss someone’s reg as i push the sodding thing in or to just pick on bikers?” Sorry he says we have had a lot of driving aways by bikers. Have you not heard of ANPR I ask? Doohh, why did i bother. Blank look!

He couldnt understand me half the time anyway, just stood there nodding at me with a grin on his face. I then asked if the card payment system is working on the other pumps, he said tha he didnt know and it was just policy for bikers to have to pay before filling up. I stomp into tills, card or payment before filling they say. I ask, who’s going to stop said thief nicking my bag thats on the bike whilst i am trapsing to and fro?!

They arent interested, well you would have to come in and pay anyway so whats your problem, the very helpful cashier adds. Not if your card machines were working, I added. I fill up having handed in my card, then go back leaving bag unattended on the bike to queue and pay again!

Not impressed, not buying fuel in Tesco’s again, regardless of car or bike until they stop victimising bikers. I am going to be writing to Tesco’s to complain, has anyone else had this treatment?