The Strategic Director - Place will present a report (Document “AA”) which outlines proposals, and seeks approval to begin the required public consultation exercise, to implement a Public Space Protection Order for the Bradford District relating to antisocial behaviour arising from misuse of vehicles.

Recommended –

(1)       That the Strategic Director, Place be authorised to undertake the required (minimum 6 week)consultation exercise to implement a Public Space Protection Order for Bradford District relating to antisocial behaviour arising from the misuse of vehicles. 

(2)       That further to the completion of the necessary consultation process, the proposed Order be submitted to this Committee for approval.

                                                            (Rebecca Trueman – 01274 431364)

The Strategic Director, Place presented a report (Document “AA”) which outlined proposals, and sought approval to begin the required public consultation exercise in relation to proposals to implement a Public Space Protection Order for the Bradford District relating to antisocial behaviour arising from the misuse of vehicles.

The report explained that, in March 2014, the Government had enacted new powers, contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, relevant to tackling anti-social behaviour.  Amongst other things, these powers allowed local authorities to implement Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) which could prohibit certain types of anti-social behaviour within an established area and make breaches subject to fixed penalties and prosecution before the Magistrates Court.

In response to Members’ questions, the Strategic Director and City Solicitor stated that:

·         Costs associated with the PSPO would be in relation to the consultation, officer time, legal costs and signage.

·         The PSPO was a proposal at this stage and, following the consultation process, a report on the findings would be submitted to the Committee which would also outline options in relation to the implementation and extent of the PSPO for Members to make a final decision.

·         Following the implementation of the Bradford City Centre PSPO, officers had some experience of the process.

·         The PSPO was not proposed to tackle issues for which there were already enforcement powers in place, such as illegally parked vehicles. 

·         The proposed PSPO was to tackle antisocial behaviour arising from the misuse of vehicles only.

·         The way in which enforcement would take place depended on feedback from the consultation process and could not be specified at this early stage. 

·         The PSPO would allow the process for seizing vehicles or proceeding to prosecution to be speeded up.

·         There would be a joint approach by the Council and the police to resourcing and enforcement.

Members made the following comments:

·         Pavement parking was banned by legislation in London which would also be a good way forward for the Bradford district.

·         Reassurances were required that the benefits of imposing the PSPO would outweigh its cost and make a significant difference to peoples lives.

A Member spoke of the recent success of the Police’s ‘Operation Steerside’ to crackdown on dangerous driving in Bradford and questioned whether the PSPO would be effective enough or be a good use of resources as there were already legal steps the Police could take to prosecute some antisocial behaviour arising from the misuse of vehicles.

In response, the City Solicitor and the Strategic Director  stated that:

·         As an example, a vehicle travelling at the appropriate speed but causing a noise nuisance would not be considered illegal and therefore would not be a priority for the Police. However the PSPO would make it possible to address nuisance, as well as obstructions, caused by the misuse of vehicles which could be detrimental to the quality of life of people in the locality.

·         The PSPO would allow flexibility for the Council in addressing, and being seen to address, this type of anti-social behaviour, in partnership with the Police, to try and achieve a step change in behaviour.

A number of Members expressed their support for carrying out the consultation process and looked forward to reviewing the feedback from it. The PSPO would give the Council additional powers to address this problem and would also act as a deterrent.

The Chair stated that the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety had been unable to attend the meeting but had submitted a statement which was read out in which he expressed support for the implementation of a PSPO to address anti-social use of a vehicle which wouldn’t otherwise fall under specific motoring laws. 

The Chair welcomed the proposal and emphasised the need to work in partnership with the Police, other partners and the public to tackle the issue.  He considered the PSPO could have a major impact on the district in conjunction with the work already taking place and that Bradford could become a flagship area on this issue.  He expressed the hope that the PSPO would go someway to alleviate the nuisance caused to residents affected by the misuse of vehicles across the district.

A Member stated that, on balance, he considered it appropriate to undertake a public consultation on this matter but expressed reservations about its efficacy and the potential for successful prosecutions before the Magistrates Court.

A number of Members welcomed the proposal. Public feedback indicated that local people wished action to be taken on this issue.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Strategic Director, Place be authorised to undertake the required (minimum 6 week)consultation exercise to implement a Public Space Protection Order for Bradford District relating to antisocial behaviour arising from the misuse of vehicles. 

(2)       That further to the completion of the necessary consultation process, the proposed Order be submitted to this Committee for approval.

ACTION:       Strategic Director, Place