The challenge - I dare you to read!

In the 1300’s William Wallace fought for the freedom of the Scottish people and just before his death he gave a last shout for “FREEDOM” that shall live in the not only in the heart of all Scottish people; but, in the hearts of Mel Gibson fans around the world.  From that day to this day there have been many tartan campaigners flying the flag for Scotland...Now it’s my turn.

So what tyranny and I campaigning against?  What Freedom do I want for my brothers? The freedom from the compulsion to fill your car up to a round number.  Why is it important to round up to a £x5.00 or the ultimate prize of £x0.00?  It’s fear! Fear the petrol station attendant will think you do not possess the skill/delicate touch to land perfectly on the double 0. 

 I’m not the only one to have only intended to put fill up £10 only to look at the LCD display to see £10.01.  And what did I do?  Exactly the same as many of you would do.  I rounded it up to £15.   

Today I had to travel to Inverness which is a 3 hour drive each way which therefore required 2 stops at the petrol station.  The first was a thing of beauty, £39.17 ‘ga gunk;  The machine rattled to inform me I was full.  But I kept going and was assured of some well deserved man points when I handed over the £40.

“Anything else” asked the petrol pump attendant in a non assuming voice as he appreciated my brilliance. 

As there were no certificates being handed out I decided to award myself a Wispa  

He replied, “That’ll be £40.71.”

If I had only stuck with the original £39.17 I would have handed over the £40 and I would have left with a Wispa and my 12p change.  Instead I left with a big bandwagon of coinage as someone has stolen all the £5 notes.

On the return journey  I was filling the legend (my car) up and then the pump hit £32.17 when I heard the ‘ga gunk’ noise.  A panic struck, would I be able to make it to £35? Would I angle the nozzle or even pull it out a little to give me the extra advantage I needed.  NO.  I walked into the petrol station with a spring in my step, looked the young man in the eye, he looked at the screen in disbelief and said £32.17.  I handed over the money and he had to count out the change.  I was free!

This challenge needs a name. National Petrol OCD Freedom is what I have in mind.  I also need your success stories as I’m going to the radio with this.  Try it and let me know how you get on and together we shall be free.