Overview

• Francesca Poncetta received a fixed penalty notice after a scrap of cardboard with her name and address was photographed on a Wood Green street.
• The enforcement letter, dated August 12, said the item was found on August 6 and demanded £300 within 14 days or £600 thereafter.
• Poncetta, a freelance photographer, said she breaks down packaging and believes a gust of wind carried the piece from an overfull bin.
• After she challenged the decision, Haringey Council cancelled the notice on September 15, citing consideration of the information she provided.
• Haringey said residents have a duty of care and that tougher action reflects local demand, while Poncetta described the process as stressful and the potential £600 penalty as disproportionate.