London Council U-turns on £150 fine after woman poured coffee down the drain

Richmond Council in London has scrapped a £150 fine issued to Burcu Yesilyurt, who was stopped by enforcement officers for pouring leftover coffee down a street drain in west London.

Ms Yesilyurt, from Kew, said she tipped the dregs out to avoid spilling them on a bus and felt the fine was “extreme” and “unfair.” The penalty was issued under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

After reviewing bodycam footage, the council confirmed the offence technically occurred but said the fixed penalty notice would be cancelled. They also plan to update their public advice on disposing of liquids in public spaces.