• Elderly man spits a leaf on the ground and receives a fine

• Wind blew the leaf into his mouth while passing through a car park

A British elderly man was fined £250 (around $305) after a leaf blew into his mouth while walking, prompting him to join calls for “responsible” litter enforcement.

Roy Marsh, 86, said he was resting in a car park when a strong gust pushed a large leaf into his mouth. He spat it out before two environmental enforcement officers approached him, according to his account.

Marsh explained that he apologized, saying he had acted “carelessly,” adding that the penalty was “unnecessary and excessive.”

The fine was later reduced to £150 (about $185) after an appeal, which Marsh paid in full.

County councillor Adrian Findley reported receiving similar complaints from angry residents regarding what he described as the “excessive actions” of enforcement teams, noting the need for discretion and giving travelers and the elderly a chance to correct mistakes before penalties.

East Lindsey District Council confirmed that enforcement teams do not target any specific group and monitor all actions to ensure non-discrimination, emphasizing that the goal is to change behavior and prevent environmental crimes so residents and visitors can enjoy a clean and safe environment.