Sign in Subscribe
City councils

Crackdown on Anti-Social Behaviour in Plymouth Car Parks Approved

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Plymouth City Council is set to implement a three-year public spaces protection order (PSPO) in nine car parks across the city to curb anti-social behaviour, including alcohol and drug use, intimidation, and public disturbance caused by motorbikes racing. The move follows a consultation where 94% of respondents supported the proposed prohibitions. The PSPO will empower police officers to move on individuals causing a nuisance and address serial perpetrators of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the designated car parks. The decision comes after repeated reports of ASB incidents in Jennycliff and Mount Batten car parks, which has led to the expansion of the PSPO from six to nine car parks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will cover nine car parks in Plymouth, including Napier Street, Regent Street, Mayflower East, Theatre Royal, Western Approach, Colin Campbell, Mount Batten Pier, and Castle car parks, and Jennycliff.
  • The PSPO aims to prevent anti-social behaviour, including alcohol and drug use, intimidation, and public disturbance caused by motorbikes racing.
  • A consultation found 94% of respondents supported the proposed prohibitions, with 63% of respondents "strongly agreeing" that ASB is an issue in the car parks.
  • 32% of respondents felt "very unsafe" using the car parks, and 76% of partner agencies, including the police and crime commissioner, supported the PSPO.
  • The PSPO is designed to prevent people from occupying, loitering, or congregating in the car parks for reasons other than to park a car, motorbike, or moped.
  • The new order is expected to come into force in the next few months.

Statistics:

  • 94% of respondents supported the proposed prohibitions.
  • 63% "strongly agreed" that ASB is an issue in the car parks.
  • 32% of respondents felt "very unsafe" using the car parks.
  • 76% of partner agencies supported the PSPO.
  • 88% of partner agencies believed the frequency or severity of ASB in the car parks had worsened over the last 12 months.

Sources:

  • Plymouth City Council
  • Devon and Cornwall Police
  • The Zone
  • City Centre Company
  • Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH)
  • Shekinah
  • https://www.teignmouth-today.co.uk/news/controversy-erupts-at-county-hall-amid-hate-crime-debate-829409

Read more