Police in Abingdon could get new powers to fine people who cause vehicle related noise nuisance.
This follows concern over incidents in the town’s car parks where the revving of engines, loud bass stereos and screeching tyres have created a disturbance for people living nearby, and caused some residents to feel intimidated.
To help tackle the problem, Vale of White Horse District Council is proposing a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This would allow police to fine people who cause vehicle related noise nuisance. It also includes existing powers to help police tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour.
People in Abingdon can have their say on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order by visitingwww.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/AbingdonPSPO. Comments close at midnight on Monday 6 February 2017.
Cllr Eric Batts, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Revving of engines, loud music and other anti-social behaviour has been a cause for concern in Abingdon’s car parks for some time. The new order will ensure that local police have the power to tackle the problem, along with continuing to address any alcohol related issues in public areas.”
NOTE FOR EDITORS:
Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) allows police to target specific anti-social behaviour offences that occur in public areas. Orders can be tailored to the needs of a local area so police can specifically target the anti-social behaviour that affects residents
The proposed new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Abingdon will replace the town’s Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) which has been in place since 2009. It will include the existing power for police to ask people to stop drinking alcohol if they are behaving anti-socially in a public area and to confiscate their alcohol if they do not comply. An Officer can fine them if they refuse.
If someone is drinking in a public area but not causing any problems they will not be affected by the order.
The order also does not apply to licensed premises, including beer gardens or seating areas.
Feedback from the consultation on the draft PSPO will be used to help create the final order. It is anticipated that the new Public Spaces Protection Order could be in place in Abingdon by Summer 2017.