Council consults on legal order tackling irresponsible vehicle use
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is consulting with the public over whether to continue legal powers which aim to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour on and near Great Yarmouth seafront.
Following a significant increase in the amount of vehicles taking part in unauthorised car and motorcycle enthusiast meetings on and around Great Yarmouth Seafront during 2016, the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was put in place to combat the increase in wheel spins, engine popping, loud music, littering, abusive language and racing.
In 2020, the council renewed the PSPO for another three years, with the support of Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk County Council, to tackle the unacceptable behaviour of a minority of car enthusiasts and their passengers, who cause a nuisance for others.
Where someone breaks the PSPO conditions, the order allows enforcement action to be taken by police officers and authorised council officers. The penalty is an £80 fixed penalty notice (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days) and/or prosecution, which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.
The order is currently due to expire on February 1, 2023. The council is therefore holding a public consultation, from Monday, 26 September to Sunday 23, October to ask individuals and organisations whether they would like to continue the order for another three years. Full council will then decide in December, having considered the responses.
People can take part in the consultation at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/have-your-say. Paper consultation forms are also available at the three neighbourhood offices, Town Hall reception and housing offices.
Cllr Paul Wells, chairman of the Environment committee, said: "This PSPO helps to tackle the anti-social behaviour of a minority of car enthusiasts and their passengers, who act in a way that is completely unacceptable, inconsiderate, and often dangerous to themselves and others.
"The renewal of the PSPO will help to send a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated and will actively be enforced against, bringing serious financial consequences and the risk of losing your licence for those who break the rules."
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