A FENLAND man was left “dumbstruck” after being hit with a fine for failing to pay a $2 dollar toll charge - around �1.30 - while driving on holiday in Australia.

Stephen Chapman, of Inlays Corner, Guyhirn, drove through the Clem Jones Tunnel in Brisbane, Queensland as he toured the country in a hired vehicle.

He returned to England after his two-week trip with happy memories of his ninth visit to Australia, blissfully unaware of his failure to pay the small fee required to travel through the tunnel.

Yet those memories ended up costing him $55 dollars (around �35) more than he expected when an envelope arrived from Alpha Car Hire to inform him that his failure to pay the toll charge had triggered the administration fee.

“When I first opened the envelope I thought it was a letter thanking me for hiring the car,” laughed Mr Chapman.

“I didn’t realise I had done anything wrong as I just thought it was a normal tunnel so I was dumbstruck.

“I’m just surprised, actually amazed, that they’ve gone to such lengths for failing to pay such a really small amount.

“However, I’m not actually that angry about the $55 dollar fine itself because if I’m honest I didn’t read the small print.

“It’s clearly stated that any toll infringements would incur the fine.”

The amount was taken automatically from Mr Chapman’s credit card who admits the incident has failed to dampen his future plans to visit Australia again.

Mr Chapman said: “You’ve got to laugh about it really haven’t you?

“I found the whole thing really funny because the original fine was actually less than the cost of the stamp that had to paid for to send me the paperwork.

“I’ve fallen in love with Australia so I’ll definitely go back but I’ll be more careful next time.

“At least this can warn other drivers that you can’t get away with any driving offence, however small, in Australia.”