Newlyweds issue warning after being hit with hefty fine for putting bins out before honeymoon
It turns out that the early bird doesn't always get the worm, as a British couple received a hefty fine for leaving their bins out too soon ahead of jetting off on their honeymoon.
We Brits have been fined for some pretty silly reasons over the years, with one bloke managing to pick up a £65 penalty payment after his car's shadow encroached onto a disabled parking spot.
But a newly-wed couple from London finished their honeymoon with a sour note after Richmond Council fined them after leaving their bins out earlier than the rules dictate that they should.
Leon Wright, 40, and his wife Amy, 34, live together in East Twickenham and after returning from a happy honeymoon in Athens they were greeted by an enforcement notice from the local council in their letterbox.
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He explained: "I only put it out a few hours before. It was the last thing I did before we left for holiday and the latest time that I could leave it out."
Leon was told to pay £150 within a 10 day period, something he missed anyway due to being abroad, and he says he has no plans to give into the council after being left with 'no alternative'.
He added: "It was very surprising. We had never had any problems with the council before. I do my best to follow the rules, but it was literally just a few hours before the collection window, so I never thought they would send fines straight away."
The newly-wed couple left the bins out just before going on holiday, at 3.25pm, but Richmond Council's rules state that the bins can only be left out on the street between 8pm and 6am on the day of collection.
While Mr Wright has argued that the council's procedure contradicts government guidelines, which state that you can't be fined for leaving bins out 'a few hours before collection', the council has reportedly refused to budge.
He said: "It says in black and white on the GOV.uk website that you can't issue penalties for leaving bins out a few hours early, which is exactly what they have done.
"They weren't in the middle of the walkway or obstructing anyone. This is just a blatant cash grab to me."
He added: "I am not paying it. This kind of thing just can't happen. It is absolutely wrong. I will take them to court if it comes to that. It is not the money but the principle. There is no way I am going to let them get away with it."
While the council offered to reduce the fine to £100 with an extended deadline of 19 August, the couple are adamant that they won't be paying a single penny.
Leon said: "It is definitely not what you want to see when you come back from holiday. Especially when you are trying to do your best."
A Richmond Council spokesperson told LADbible: "Richmond Council is committed to keeping our streets clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.
"To support a clean borough, residents should follow the guidance on when to put waste for collection.
"When any bagged waste, loose litter of fly tipping found outside these guidelines we will take enforcement action where appropriate.
"Residents can sometimes make genuine mistakes which is why there is a clear appeals process in place.
"We don’t comment on individual cases."
James Moorhouse