A woman says she was “horrified” when she was fined £150 for putting her coffee grounds down a street in West London.
Burcu Yesidurtt, who lives in Kew, said he thought he was acting “responsibly” when he poured a small amount of coffee from his disposable cup onto the floor of the bus.
But to his surprise, he was stopped by three enforcement officers at a bus stop near Richmond station and fined under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Richmond Council said its officers were “good and accurate” and that the fine was issued in accordance with its policies.
Ms. Yesilyurt said: “I saw my bus coming, so I just poured the rest. It wasn’t much, it was just a little bit.
“As soon as I turned around, I saw three men, chiefs of enforcement, chased me, and stopped me immediately.”
Ms. Yesilyurt said she thought they would talk to her about the problem with the bus when she was stopped on October 10, and they did not have “an indication” that the illegal road was illegal.
“It was really scary,” she said.
Ms. Yesilyurt said that she asked the police if there were signs or information that discriminated against people about the Law but she did not receive an answer.
Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it an offense to deposit or dispose of waste in a manner likely to contaminate land or water, including pouring liquid into road drains.
Council says it is “committed to protecting Richmond’s Watery Roads” [Getty Images]
Ms Yesilyurt was fined £150 which could be reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days.
He said the encounter with the police was “very scary” and he was left feeling “Shaky” as he went into work.
A spokesperson for Munu from Richmond, said the body-worn camera bootage had been reviewed and ‘they did not agree that the officers behaved badly’.
“Fook ensures that these officers are performing well and are sensitive to the circumstances,” he added.
Ms. Yesilyurt said that when she asked the officials what she should have done with the remaining coffee, she was told to pour it into a nearby bin.
He said he was trying to act responsibly and avoid pollution.
“Sounds good. I think the fine is excessive. It’s disproportionate,” he added.
‘Protecting Waterways’
Ms. Yesilyurt requested that the law be clear about the signs near the buses and coaches.
You still have to pay the fine and file a complaint with the Council.
A spokesperson for Murson, Richmond Sound, said: “No one likes to receive a fine, and we always aim to apply our policies with understanding and discretion.
“We are committed to protecting Richmond’s waterways and keeping our Borough streets clean and safe.
“Enforcement action is only taken when necessary, and residents who feel they have been issued unfairly can request a review.”
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