Pop quiz: How many parking wardens does it take to write a ticket?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 3 and a tow truck

Recently in downtown Auckland the correct answer was D.

As the greater Auckland region girds its loins and prepares to merge into a supercity, Private Bin must ask, why does it take so many ticket scribes to arrest a car? Was it putting up a fight?

Before the silver Toyota Hilux ute was “handcuffed” Private Bin noted the revenue gatherers were circling the stricken vehicle like buzzards on carrion, poking at tyres and discussing its fate.

For those who parked a silver ute on Commerce St in Auckland and found it gone on Friday morning you can relax – it hasn’t been stolen, it’s just been taken to jail.