Latest news with #PublicSpaceProtectionOrder
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Car cruising may be banned under new order
Car cruising is set to be banned across West Northamptonshire over rising concerns about anti-social behaviour. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would allow the council and Northamptonshire Police to take more effective action against nuisance car activities. West Northamptonshire Council said events had been taking place on the county's roads for several years, while police said they created a "significant demand" on resources due to worried residents calling them. The largest event to date included more over 160 cars and several hundred spectators in March 2024, police said. Locations regularly used for meets include the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the A45 off junction 16 of the M1, the Sixfields roundabout in Northampton and the A43 Moulton bypass, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. According to the council, features of car cruising include driving at excessive speed, revving engines, driving in a convoy, racing, performing stunts and causing obstruction on a public highway. PSPOs are powers used by councils and their partners to tackle anti-social behaviour in a defined public space. The order would apply to all land within the West Northamptonshire boundary. Individuals could be found in breach if they participate in any car cruising activity as a passenger or driver, or congregate to spectate at such an event. Failure to comply carries a maximum £1,000 fine if convicted by a magistrates' court. Officers may also issue a £100 fixed penalty notice to anyone they have reasonable cause to believe has breached the order. The council's new Reform UK cabinet will meet for the first time on 3 June to discuss the proposed PSPO measures. If approved, the order will be made for a maximum period of three years with the opportunity to extend. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Local Democracy Reporting Service West Northamptonshire Council


BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
New powers to tackle 'nuisance drinkers' in Stratford-upon-Avon
New powers have been issued in a bid to to tackle anti-social behaviour in a popular tourist district council and Warwickshire Police said they had received increasing reports from residents regarding criminal and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol use in have issued a Public Space Protection Order which is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour in public places. Breaching the order could lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100. Police said it was not about stopping drinking in the town centre but about being able to tackle the anti-social behaviour. Natalie Gist, portfolio holder for law and governance at the district council, said: "We've had increasing reports of anti-social behaviour in Stratford over the last three years. "Residents repeatedly tell us that they're quite upset about it and it's bothering them, and so we worked with the police and we thought it would be a proportionate thing to support our residents and our businesses to bring this order in." Nick Longden who owns river cruiser restaurant 'The Countess' has raised the issue of anti social beahviour in the town said he could see why the measures have been brought in but also had his concerns adding it was putting a band-aid on a bigger problem."The problem is generally, we're telling people what they can't do, to try and get rid of a small minority of people who do cause the problem." Ch Insp Simon Ryan, said the force was already hearing positive things from residents about the PSPO."Combined with other actions we take - including ongoing neighbourhood patrols - the PSPO gives us the ability to intervene early when we see behaviour that might escalate."It's very important to make it clear that the PSPO does not cover all street drinking, and this is not a ban on alcohol consumption in the town centre. The powers are just intended for those who are causing anti-social behaviour." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.


BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
Illegal New Forest campers fined as police issue fire warning
Illegal campers in a national park who started what police described as a "large" camp fire have been were discovered at the Parc Pale car park just outside Lyndhurst in the New Forest on Monday. Officers from Hampshire police and Forestry England have issued a warning about the dangers of starting fires in the forest.A statement on social media said: "A fine was issued under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that is in place across the forest banning all open fires and BBQs." The statement continued: "It is important that everyone knows how dangerous lighting fires is especially at the moment when the forest is so dry."Fire crews in the south of England have been tackled a number of wildfires over the weekend after a period of prolonged dry said cannabis was also found in the camper's car that was seized and destroyed. In 2023, a PSPO was introduced by New Forest National Park Authority to protect wildlife and prevent in breach can be handed a fixed penalty notice of up to £100, or fined up to £1,000 if the case goes to were introduced after Forestry England reported barbecues and campfires were "happening continuously and repeatedly" in the New ForestThe police warning comes as the UK is experiencing the driest spring on record, with Hampshire seeing 20% of the average rainfall since the beginning of Saturday Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service was called to a woodland blaze at Bransgore in the New Forest which engulfed a hectare (2.5 acres) of heathland and was the latest in a series of wildfires that have hit Dorset and Hampshire during the past two months. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.


Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Strict ban across UK beaches that could land you with £1,000 fine… is YOUR nearest on the list?
Dog owners heading to the coast this summer have been issued a warning as a strict ban comes into force across UK beaches. Hundreds of beaches have brought in dog bans that were rolled out on May 1 and are set to last until the end of September. Some beaches have banned dogs completely, while others are only allowing them during certain hours or if they're kept on leads. Additionally, certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. The rules vary depending on the area, but anyone caught breaking them could face a £100 fine on the spot - and up to £1,000 if it goes to court. The seasonal restrictions are designed to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer months, with locals using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to enforce the rules. Chris Maxted, who runs a dog gate firm called Dog-G8, explained: 'Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. 'Dog fouling and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. 'Public spaces protection orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. 'These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing.' Most beaches allow dogs between October and April, he added - but enforce the orders in the summer months. Maxted continued: 'It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. 'Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.' Despite the strict ban coming into force, there is still an abundance of coastal areas to explore where dogs are welcome all year round. Devon, for example, has a whopping 79 dog-friendly beaches, so even with the bans in place, there's still plenty of coastline to enjoy with your pooch across the UK. Guide dogs, on the other hand, are allowed on all beaches - but only if they're working, wearing a harness, and on a lead. The summer dog ban was first brought in by Weymouth in 2019, prompting dozens of beaches to follow suit in subsequent years, especially as tourist numbers rise over the warmer months. Most local council websites have up-to-date info on which beaches are dog-friendly and when. Maxted added: 'To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it's best to check your local council website. 'Most councils provide up-to-date information on beach regulations, including any seasonal restrictions or rules regarding pets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.' It comes as Tower Hamlets council are introducing a strict set of rules for dog owners after a string of attacks left an 11-year-old girl with life-changing injuries and saw two Cane Corso's shot dead after mauling a woman. Under the new rules, which were approved under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), dogs will still be allowed to play freely off-lead in all parks and green spaces in the borough. However, dogs will be banned from certain areas such as gated children's play areas and sports areas and there will be a requirement for a maximum of four dogs per person, unless they have a professional council-issued dog walker licence.


Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
Owners are being urged to check local council websites before letting their pups frolic on the beach BEACH PLEASE Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn. Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules. Advertisement 2 Rule-breakers risk a £100 on-the-spot fine - or up to £1,000 if it ends up in court Credit: Getty The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September. The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. Advertisement "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. Advertisement "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round. He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. Advertisement "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead. Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites. The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first implemented the dog ban. Advertisement Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) often runs from the start of May to September 30, during the busy tourist season. The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times. Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. Advertisement Regions with dog-friendly beaches where bans don't apply Devon: 79 Cornwall: 60 Northumberland: 37 Dorset: 37 Cumbria: 24 Yorkshire: 24 Norfolk: 21 Kent: 19 East Sussex: 18 Isle of Wight: 15 County Durham: 12 Merseyside: 11 West Sussex: 11 Suffolk: 9 Essex: 8 Lancashire: 8 Lincolnshire: 5 Hampshire: 4 Tyne and Wear: 3 Gloucestershire: 1 Isles of Scilly: 1