Rochford District Council has launched a six-week public consultation on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) designed to tackle dangerous and anti-social driving in parts of the district. The consultation follows a report approved by the Council’s Communities, Wellbeing and Housing Committee in September. The proposed PSPO is designed to address issues such as street racing, large car meets, loud engine revving, off-road motorbikes, stunts, and repeated vehicle noise that are affecting local communities.
A PSPO is a legal tool under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It allows councils to restrict behaviours in public spaces that are having a negative impact on people’s quality of life. A PSPO can last for up to three years and may be enforced by council officers or the police.
If introduced, the order could ban street racing, vehicle stunts, loud music, engine revving, and large groups of vehicles congregating causing nuisance, excessive noise and risks to Community Safety. Anyone who breaches the order will lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued with a £100 fine or prosecution.
The proposed areas include several hotspots where vehicle nuisance has been reported. These are:
- Arterial Park and Richlee Motors layby
- Cherry Orchard Way and Beeches Road
- Watery Lane
- Hullbridge Road
- Rawreth Lane
- The A1245
- Hawk Hill
Residents are asked to refer to the highlighted area maps in the consultation for the full boundaries of each location.
Councillor Mike Webb, Rochford District Council’s Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing and Housing Committee, said: “This consultation is the moment for residents, businesses and community groups to tell us what they are experiencing and whether introducing this type of Public Spaces Protection Order is the right approach for anti-social driving behaviour. We need your views to make sure any action we take is genuinely supported by the people it will affect. I urge everyone to take part. Please complete the survey and help shape the future of these areas.”
The consultation runs from Monday 3 November to Friday 12 December. Residents, businesses and community organisations can take part by completing the short online survey. Paper copies can also be requested by emailing customer.comments@rochford.gov.uk.