Kew commuter’s coffee fine overturned after public outcry
A £150 coffee fine in Kew has been overturned after public reaction and a review by Richmond Council confirmed the incident was a “minor contravention”.
Burcu Yesilyurt, who lives in Kew, was fined under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 after she poured the last sip of her morning coffee into a roadside gully near Richmond Station. She said she believed she was acting responsibly, avoiding a spill on the bus to work.
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Three enforcement officers stopped her moments later and issued a penalty, leaving her “shaky” and confused. “I thought they were warning me about the bus,” she said. “I had no idea pouring liquid into a drain was illegal.”
The council has now cancelled the fine, admitting it was “likely” that Ms Yesilyurt’s appeal would have succeeded. In an email confirming the decision, it apologised for “any upset or inconvenience”.
Richmond-upon-Thames Council added that although the enforcement officers acted appropriately, the breach was considered minor and Ms Yesilyurt had agreed not to repeat it.
Ms Yesilyurt told EyeOnLondon that the experience left her frustrated by a lack of public information. “There were no signs explaining what to do,” she said. “I was just trying not to litter. It felt unfair and excessive.”
Following widespread reaction online, the case has prompted calls for clearer public guidance about what can safely be disposed of in roadside drains. Pouring liquids, even water or coffee, can technically fall under pollution offences designed to prevent harmful substances entering waterways, according to the UK Environment Agency.
Ms Yesilyurt said she was relieved the council had reconsidered: “I’m happy they recognised the sensitivity of this situation. Most people had no idea this was even a criminal offence.”
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