Public Spaces Protection Order - Car parks
Following incidents of anti-social behaviour in some of the Council owned car parks, we have introduced a PSPO covering anti-social behaviour at the following car parks:
The activities which are to be prohibited are the use of a motor vehicle, or creation of noise from a motor vehicle, or behaviour by a person in a way likely to cause nuisance or annoyance to a member of the public, or a risk of harm, damage or injury to a person or property.
Therefore the following Restrictions apply in the Restricted Area:
3.1 No person being a driver of, or in control of a motor vehicle in any part of the Restricted Area, shall:
- Rev (i.e. accelerate, whilst the vehicle's clutch is disengaged) an engine of a motor vehicle;
- Suddenly or rapidly accelerate a motor vehicle;
- Race with any other motor vehicle;
- Leave the engine of a motor vehicle running on idle other than when queuing to park or depart;
- Perform any motor vehicle stunts;
- Sound a horn repetitively; or
- Play music audible outside of the motor vehicle
3.2 No person in any part of the Restricted Area shall:
- Use behaviour towards another person reasonably perceived to be threatening, aggressive or intimidating;
- Use foul or abusive language;
- Gather or loiter with any other person(s) in a manner which is (or may reasonably be perceived as) intimidating or threatening to any other member of the public;
- Use any part of the Restricted Area for skating (whether using in-line or roller skates), skateboarding or playing ball games;
- Use any part of the Restricted Area for cycling in a manner which is (or may reasonably be perceived as) intimidating or threatening to any other member of the public;
A PSPO is not a ban on the legitimate use of a car park nor prevents activities which are not causing anti-social behaviour. However it will be an offence not to comply with the Order, the penalty for which will be a fixed penalty notice or a fine on summary conviction not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1000).
The Order took effect from 2nd May 2018 and will last for 3 years at which time it will be reviewed.