Crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Plymouth

PSPOs proposed for six city centre car parks

Playing loud music, consuming alcohol or loitering in groups in some Plymouth’s city centre car parks could be banned if a new public space protection order (PSPO) is agreed.

Motorists have reported incidents of people drinking ot taking drugs, public disturbance and intimidation, as well as using stairwells as toilets.

Plymouth City Council is planning a PSPO to cover car parks at Napier Street, Regent Street, Mayflower East, the Theatre Royal, Western Approach and Colin Campbell Court.

The order aims to crack down on anti-social and intimidating behaviour, such as people gathering or loitering, large car meet and motorbike racing.

Police and council officers will have the power to move people on if they are causing a nuisance in the car parks. Failing to comply is a criminal offence and carries a fixed penalty notice of up to £100.

The council is asking residents and businesses what they think during a consultation which runs until Wednesday 7 May.

The proposals are:

1. To stop anyone doing anything “for any other purpose other than to park a motor vehicle, motorbike or moped.”

2. To stop people revving engines, suddenly or rapidly accelerating, racing, performing stunts, sounding horns, playing loud music, leaving engines running other than when queueing to park or depart

3. behaving in away that could be perceived to be threatening, aggressive or intimidating, or using the area to urinate or defecate.

4. Drinking alcohol.

Cllr Sally Haydon (Lab, St Budeaux), cabinet member for community safety, said: “People should feel safe in our car parks. Full stop. They should be able to come and go from their cars without worry or witnessing unpleasant behaviour.

“This order is another tool we and the police can use to make people feel safer – but we want to know what residents and businesses think about this.”

Plymouth also has a city-wide PSPO in place to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public places which is due for renewal in October next year.