An 86-year-old man who was fined hundreds of dollars after spitting out a leaf that blew into his mouth has joined calls for more discretion in litter enforcement.
Roy Marsh was issued a £250 ($330) fine while resting in Skegness, Lincolnshire, earlier this year, after enforcement officers accused him of spitting on the ground. The penalty was later reduced to £150 ($176) on appeal, which Marsh paid.
Marsh said the incident happened in February as he stopped to sit in the South Parade Car Park when strong winds blew a reed into his mouth. He said he spat it out immediately before being approached by two enforcement officers, who told him he had been seen spitting on the floor.
Fine sparks backlash over “heavy-handed” litter rules
According to Marsh, he tried to explain what had happened but was still issued the fine, describing the response as unnecessary and out of proportion. “It was all unnecessary and all out of proportion,” he told the BBC.
The case emerged publicly after Lincolnshire county councilor Adrian Findley said he had received multiple complaints from residents who claimed they had been treated unfairly by enforcement officers in Skegness. Findley said the approach risked discouraging visitors from returning to the seaside town.
“They are taking it too far,” Findley said, arguing that officers should use discretion when incidents appear accidental. He added that elderly people should not be expected to chase litter in bad weather and should instead be given the chance to explain or resolve the situation.
East Lindsey District Council, which oversees enforcement operations, said its teams only approach individuals who are seen committing environmental offences and that patrols are not targeted at any specific demographic.
The council added that it closely monitors enforcement data and that its goal is to change behavior rather than punish residents or visitors.
Councillor Martin Foster, portfolio holder for operational services, said the council’s aim is to ensure public spaces remain clean and safe for everyone, while enforcing environmental regulations fairly.
