Breckland Council PSPO will crack down on vehicle-related anti-social behaviour

Breckland Council is continuing its efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the district after consulting with its residents on vehicle nuisance.

The authority has introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address vehicle-related anti-social behaviour in response to persistent car meets across the area, which includes Swaffham.

The order will cover the entire district and restrict certain activities and behaviours while driving or using a vehicle that may impact the quality of life for residents.

It came into effect on Tuesday and will last for an initial period of three years, after which it will be reviewed.

Failure to comply with the PSPO could result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a court summons.

Police and other authorised officers from Breckland Council will be able to issue fixed penalty notices to people who do not adhere to the new restrictions.

The order includes restrictions against the following:

• Unnecessarily sounding motor vehicle horns

• Playing amplified music in or near or powered from a vehicle at an excessive volume

• Unnecessary revving of a motor vehicle engine

• Driving at an excessive speed

• Racing motor vehicles or gathering for the purpose of street racing

• Causing repeated, sudden and/or rapid acceleration and deceleration

• Performing stunts

• Using loud and/or threatening and/or abusive language in a vehicle

• Depositing litter from a vehicle

• Engaging in, encouraging, or assisting activities or other mechanically propelled vehicle-related nuisance causing or likely to cause a danger to the public or is likely to cause noise, harassment, alarm, distress, or detrimental impact

• Aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring or taking part in the organisation of the above whether or not any intended event takes place

Cllr Tristan Ashby, executive member for health and communities at the council, said: “At Breckland, we strive to give our residents the opportunity to express their views on issues that affect them.

“The responses to our consultation helped shape the new PSPO on vehicle nuisance, and we’re proud to have worked collaboratively with the community to address this concern.

“Together, we can make our district a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone, and the council remains committed to keeping the wellbeing and quality of life of our residents at the top of our priorities.”