Jogger Fined for Allegedly Spitting on Turnham Green Terrace
Mark Meghezzi says he was blowing perspiration from his face
Mark Meghezzi posted this picture on social media. Picture Mark Meghezzi/Twitter
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A 30-year-old jogger has been fined for spitting on Turnham Green Terrace by a Hounslow Council Enforcement Officer.
Mark Meghezzi vigorously denies having spat saying he was blowing perspiration from his face while taking a rest during a run on Wednesday (30 September).
The £120 Fixed Penalty Notice was issued under anti-littering legislation.
He told the Daily Mail, “I received a fine from Sadiq Khan's London Borough of Hounslow for doing nothing more than going for a run down Chiswick High Road.
“I paused at Turnham Green Terrace and went down on my haunches (it was a tough one) and waited for the traffic lights to turn green.
“As I did so, naturally the sweat poured off me and I blew some away from my lip, towards the road. This is natural and unavoidable when running.
“I was then accosted by a very excited young 'Covid Officer' who advised me that I had been 'observed spitting' and who then very eagerly issued me with the £120 FPN in the picture. “
Mr Meghezzi adds that he observed the same officer speak to cyclists and joggers paused at the light.
He intends to appeal against the fine and make a complaint against the officer for their conduct.
Hounslow Council employ enforcement officers to issue Penalty Charge Notices for breaches of environmental regulations. They have the power to issue on the spot fines.
Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said, “The Fixed Penalty Notice was not given for any Covid offence or sweating, and nor was it issued by a Covid marshal. The notice was issued by an Enforcement Officer for spitting, which is a littering offence.
“Officers tackle a wide range of environmental offences and anti-social behaviour to support the local community. All our officers are provided with body-worn cameras that capture interactions between staff and members of the public. Details of why a Fixed Penalty Notice was issued is provided on the notice along with details of a representative process that allows for notices to be reviewed.”
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October 4, 2020
