A grandfatherof-three from Margate is fuming after he was handed a £60 fine when his cigarette was knocked from his hand in Margate High Street. Former restaurant owner Lazaris Michael, 76, was shocked when a council community officer slapped him with the fixed-penalty notice after a scuffle outside Boots.
Cypriot Mr Michael said: “I was on my way to pick up a prescription for my wife when two policeman were apprehending two girls and bringing them out of the shop. This was causing people to crowd around and in the bustle someone pushed into me and I dropped my cigarette.
“I wasn’t littering as it was a full cigarette. But before I had a chance to pick it up, the warden had come up to me and asked me to come with him. I didn’t know what he wanted so I went to talk to him. He gave me the fine and didn’t give me a chance to explain, if he hadn’t come over to talk to me I would have bent down and picked it up without giving it another thought. What was worse is that people then looked at me thinking I was something to do with the shoplifting and I was told I could receive a criminal conviction.”
The fine was the result of the zero-tolerance policy being employed by council and community officers dealing with littering on Margate High Street and other areas on the isle.
Mr Michael’s fine could be increased to £80 if he does not pay it soon enough, and he has written to Thanet council asking for them to investigate what he sees as an over zealous use of on-the-spot fines.
Thanet council’s environment boss Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, said: “We are happy with the process that has been followed. Thanet council’s campaign warns people the council will take a zero tolerance approach to anyone who drops litter, including cigarette butts and chewing gum. If you’re spotted, no excuses will be accepted.”
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