London council U-turns on 150 fine for woman who poured coffee down drain

"Richmond Council said it had looked at bodyworn footage of the incident and its officers were in no way aggressive and it is clear that a contravention took place which justified the fixed penalty notice (FPN) being issued. The spokesman added: FPNs clearly outline that there is an appeal process available to anyone who wishes to challenge them. It is likely that, had this case progressed through that route, the notice would have been rescinded."

"A London council has cancelled a 150 fine handed to a woman who poured the dregs of her coffee down. Burcu Yesilyurt, of Kew, described the fine as quite unfair and extreme as she thought she was being responsible by tipping the coffee remnants away rather than spilling on a bus. On Wednesday, Richmond Council said Ms Yesilyurt could have appealed the fine but on this occasion, the council has therefore decided to cancel the FPN (fixed penalty notice)."

Richmond Council cancelled a £150 fixed penalty notice issued after Burcu Yesilyurt poured leftover coffee dregs in public. Yesilyurt poured a tiny amount to avoid spilling it on a bus and described the fine as unfair, extreme and disproportionate. Council review of body-worn footage concluded officers were not aggressive and that a contravention occurred which initially justified issuing the notice, and acknowledged an appeal route that likely would have rescinded it. The council therefore cancelled the FPN, restated its commitment to protecting waterways and keeping streets clean, and will review and update guidance on disposal of liquids in public.

Read at www.standard.co.uk