BBC
Roy Marsh was issued a fine for spitting in Skegness
A man who was fined for spitting out a leaf after it blew into his mouth has joined calls for “responsible” litter enforcement.
Roy Marsh, 86, was hit with a £250 fine after an incident in Skegness, Lincolnshire, earlier this year.
The story emerged after Adrian Findley, a county councillor, said he had received a number of complaints about similar “heavy handed” incidents in the seaside resort.
East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) said enforcement teams, who work on behalf of the authority, would “only approach individuals who have been seen committing environmental crime offences”.
Mr Marsh claimed he was reprimanded as he stopped for a rest while walking across the South Parade Car Park in February.
“As I was sitting there, a gale blew a big reed into my mouth. I spat it out and just as I got up to walk away two guys [enforcement officers] came up to me,” he said.
Mr Marsh was told by one of the officers that he had been seen spitting on the floor. He claimed he told the officer he was being a “silly boy”.
“It was all unnecessary and all out of proportion.” Mr Marsh added.
A fine of £250 was issued and it was later reduced on appeal to £150, which Mr Marsh paid.
Skegness councillor Adrian Findley said enforcement offers need to use discretion when issuing fines
Findley, who represents Reform on Lincolnshire County Council, told the BBC he had been approached by other “angry residents” who had recounted similar experiences.
He said: “They [enforcement officers] are taking it too far. If I came here on holiday and was given a £250 fine I wouldn’t want to risk coming back.
“There needs to be discretion about how they [enforcement officers] issue fines. We can’t expect elderly people to chase crisp packets down the road if it’s windy.
“If it looks like a genuine accident then give people opportunity to apologise and pick it up.”
ELDC said it closely monitored enforcement actions and patrols were “not targeted at any specific demographic” and are “not discriminatory”.
Councillor Martin Foster, the portfolio holder for operational services, said “The council closely monitors data on enforcement actions, including those relating to such things as littering, fly-tipping and dog-related offences.
“Our ultimate aim is to invoke a change in behaviour and stop people committing environmental crime so residents and visitors can enjoy a clean and safe environment.”
