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Crackdown on Anti-Social Behaviour in Plymouth Car Parks Takes Shape

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Plymouth City Council is poised to bring in a three-year public spaces protection order (PSPO) to tackle rising problems of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in nine car parks across the city. The move is aimed at curbing alcohol misuse, intimidation, and public disturbance caused by issues such as motorbikes racing and the misuse of stairwells as toilets. The council's consultation revealed overwhelming public support, with 94% of respondents agreeing that the prohibitions proposed were fair. Key takeaways and statistics reveal the extent of the issue and the proposed solution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PSPO is expected to cover nine car parks, including Napier Street, Regent Street, and Mayflower Car Parks East, where anti-social behaviour has been repeatedly reported.
  • Police officers will have powers to move on individuals causing a nuisance and address serial perpetrators of ASB in the specified car parks.
  • 94% of 372 consultation responses from members of the public thought the proposed prohibitions were fair.
  • 32% of respondents felt "very unsafe" using the car parks, and 63% "strongly agreed" that ASB was an issue.
  • Concerns around the misuse of car parks as a social space were raised, with some citing the presence of discarded drug needles, loitering, and intimidation.
  • 88% of partner agencies, including the police, The Zone, and Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH), supported the proposal, with 76% stating that ASB in the car parks had worsened over the last 12 months.
  • However, some young people expressed concerns about the potential impact on their social activities and stunts.

Statistics:

  • 94% of consultation responses supported the proposed prohibitions.
  • 32% of respondents felt "very unsafe" using the car parks.
  • 76% of partner agencies reported an increase in the severity or frequency of anti-social behaviour in the car parks over the last 12 months.
  • The PSPO is designed to ensure people do not occupy, loiter, or congregate in the car parks except for parking purposes.

Sources:

  • Plymouth City Council website
  • Devon and Cornwall Police website
  • The Zone, City Centre Company, Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH), and Shekinah consultation responses (exact wording)
  • Local news article (PA news agency)

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