Public Space Protection Orders Come into Force

A new set of powers to help tackle anti-social behaviour have come into force across South Tyneside today (Monday 17 May).

The Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) aim to address anti-social behaviour-related issues around street drinking, the use of motor-propelled vehicles (such as scramblers, trail bikes, quad bikes and mini-motos) as well as taking psychoactive substances in public spaces.

Orders have also come into force to deal with anti-social behaviour specifically in the Broad Landing and Riverside areas. These prohibit fishing through the night and nuisance behaviour including pitching tents, shouting, playing loud music, dropping litter, setting fires, urinating and defecating.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety 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.

"We want our residents and visitors to be able to relax and enjoy our public spaces without feeling uncomfortable and intimidated by the actions of a small minority of people.

"While these orders are designed to regulate activities in public places, it is important to note that the restrictions specially relate to nuisance behaviour and are being introduced to help the Council and its partners deal with persistent or continuing anti-social behaviour in areas where concerns have been highlighted in the past.

"This ranges from mini-motos causing problems in our residential areas and tearing up our open spaces to people engaging in nuisance behaviour while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"These new powers will help us to ensure South Tyneside public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all."

The orders are being implemented following an extensive consultation exercise carried out in January and subsequent Cabinet approval last month.

The new PSPOs:

• 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.

Sgt Dave Stobbs of Northumbria Police said: "We know that the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have a detrimental impact on our communities, particularly vulnerable residents who can feel frightened or intimidated.

"That's why we will continue to use all tactics at our disposal - including targeted patrols and running dedicated operations with all our partners across South Tyneside - in order to tackle pockets of disorder and ultimately keep our communities safe."

For further information about the Public Space Protection Orders in South Tyneside visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/pspo