Council To Discuss Proposed New Public Space Protection Orders

South Tyneside Council is set to consider proposed new powers to help address anti-social behaviour across the Borough.

At the meeting on Wednesday 14 April, Cabinet will be asked to approve a new set of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to help address anti-social behaviour-related issues around street drinking, the use of motor-propelled vehicles (such as scramblers, trail bikes, quad bikes mini-motos) and taking psychoactive substances in public spaces.

Two further orders proposed specifically aim to address anti-social behaviour in the Broad Landing and Riverside areas. These prohibit fishing through the night as well as nuisance behaviour including pitching tents, shouting, playing loud music, dropping litter, setting fires, urinating and defecating.

The orders are being proposed following an extensive consultation exercise carried out in January.

Stuart Wright, Head of Environment at South Tyneside Council, said: "Anti-social behaviour has a detrimental impact on the quality of life of our residents not to mention the negative perception it can give of an area.

"It is important that we use whatever powers are available to us to ensure South Tyneside is a safe and welcoming place.

"The proposed orders are designed to regulate activities in public places and help the authorities to deal with persistent or continuing anti-social behaviour in areas where concerns have been highlighted."

If approved, the new PSPOs will:

• Prohibit the use of motor propelled vehicles in public spaces;
• Stop the consumption of alcohol in public spaces when requested to do so by a Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or an authorised officer of the Council;
• Prohibit the taking of psychoactive substances in public spaces;
• Prohibit any person acting in such a way which causes, or is likely to cause, nuisance to people living in the locality, in particular, erecting tents, shouting, playing loud music, dropping and leaving litter, setting fires, urinating and defecating in the Restricted Area;
• Prohibit fishing between 10pm and 6am in the Restricted Area.

PSPOs were introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and give councils and police additional powers and greater flexibility to tackle anti-social behaviour in defined geographical areas.

Anyone who breaches a PSPO risks a £100 fixed penalty notice. Failure to pay may result in criminal proceedings with a maximum penalty of £1,000. They can be enforced by the Police, Police Community Support Officers and any authorised officer of the Council.

If approved, the PSPOs will come into force in South Tyneside ahead of the summer season.