Haringey Council Cancels £600 Fine for Windblown Bin Cardboard

Francesca Poncetta, a freelance photographer living in Wood Green, north London, was fined £600 by Haringey Council after a piece of cardboard with her name and address was found littering the street. She insists the cardboard likely flew out of her bin on a windy day despite her usual practice of breaking down boxes before recycling. Initially receiving a letter on August 12 stating the fine and a payment deadline, she was shocked and felt the fine was disproportionate, especially since she could not afford to pay it. After attempting to appeal and contacting local MPs and councillors without success, the fine was eventually cancelled on September 15. Poncetta described the experience as stressful and threatening, particularly as the letter suggested seeking legal advice. The council maintained that residents have a duty to dispose of waste responsibly and that fixed penalty notices can be challenged.