An 86-year-old pensioner received a £250 littering fine after spitting out a leaf that had blown into his mouth while taking a break in a Lincolnshire seaside town.
Roy Marsh was resting in the South Parade car park in Skegness back in February when the incident occurred during what he described as windy conditions.
The elderly man successfully challenged the penalty on appeal, though the local authority still required him to pay £150, which he subsequently did.
"It was something that could have happened to anyone," Mr Marsh said.
An 86-year-old pensioner received a £250 littering fine after spitting out a leaf that had blown into his mouth (file photo)
|GETTY
Mr Marsh recounted the moment to BBC Lincolnshire, explaining that strong winds had sent a leaf flying into his mouth while he sat resting.
"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 came up to me," he said.
The enforcement officers informed the pensioner he had been observed spitting on the ground. Mr Marsh claimed he responded by telling one officer he was being a "silly boy".
"It was all unnecessary and all out of proportion," Mr Marsh added.
Roy Marsh was resting in the South Parade car park in Skegness back in February when the incident occurred
|Adrian Findley, a Lincolnshire County Councillor representing Reform UK, has spoken out against what he describes as excessive enforcement measures in the coastal resort.
The councillor told the BBC he had been contacted by other frustrated residents who had experienced comparable situations.
"They 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," he said.
Mr Findley argued that officers should exercise greater judgement when issuing penalties, particularly in cases involving older people or apparent accidents.
COUNCIL CHAOS - READ THE LATEST:
"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," he added.
East Lindsey District Council defended its approach.
Councillor Martin Foster, the portfolio holder for operational services, affirmed that enforcement teams only approach people who have been witnessed committing environmental offences.
He insisted patrols are neither discriminatory nor aimed at any particular demographic.
East Lindsey District Council defended its approach
|"The council closely monitors data on enforcement actions, including those relating to such things as littering, fly-tipping and dog-related offences," Councillor Foster said.
East Lindsey District Council classifies spitting as a form of littering.
Fixed penalty notices are set at £250, dropping to £150 if settled within 10 days, despite national rules permitting fines up to £500.
"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," Councillor Foster added.
More From GB News