Peeing in the countryside is an act of littering, a Hertfordshire borough council insists.
Dacorum BC’s decision to fine two men £88 each for taking a wild wee in a layby has proven controversial.
Nick Freeman, a lawyer who calls himself ‘Mr Loophole’ on social media, told the BBC the council’s interpretation of litter ‘is contrary to the legislation and it is contrary to its everyday meaning and therefore, in my view, legally, they are wrong’.
However, in a statement quoted by the Guardian, a council spokesperson said: ‘The council has sought legal advice on the use of littering fixed penalty notices for urination and is satisfied that urination would be covered by the relevant legislation.
‘Residents have raised concerns with the council about people urinating in some of our busy laybys. This has been backed up through visits by our officers to these laybys. We are committed to making these spaces pleasant and usable for all.’
