A woman in west London says she was “shocked” after being fined £150 (KSh 28,000) for tipping the remains of her coffee down a street drain near Richmond station.
Burcu Yesilyurt, from Kew, said she poured out a small amount of coffee from her reusable cup while waiting for a bus on 10 October, believing she was acting responsibly.
Moments later, she was stopped by three enforcement officers who issued her a fine under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which prohibits the disposal of waste in a way that could pollute land or water.
“I noticed my bus approaching, so I just poured the leftover bit,” she said. “It wasn’t much. As soon as I turned around, I saw three men chasing me. I thought they were going to tell me something about the bus.”
Ms Yesilyurt said she was unaware that pouring liquids into drains was illegal and described the encounter as “intimidating.” She said she asked the officers for signs explaining the rule but received no response.
Richmond Council defended the fine, saying officers had reviewed body-worn camera footage and found they had “acted professionally and sensitively.”
A spokesperson said the council was “committed to protecting Richmond’s waterways and keeping streets clean.”
The fine can be reduced to £100 (KSh 18,700) if paid within 14 days.
Ms Yesilyurt has filed a formal complaint, calling the penalty “unfair and disproportionate” and urging the council to make the law clearer to residents.
