Local people are being asked for their views on plans to tackle antisocial behaviour at Milton Park and Ride.
A public consultation opens today (July 1) on proposals to stop dangerous and disruptive driving at the site in Butt Lane. The consultation closes on 1 August.
South Cambridgeshire District Council is planning to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour through new regulations. Anyone who violates the rules could be fined.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and existing CCTV will be used to help enforce the rules. This means the council can track vehicles and issue fines without needing someone to be there at the time.
The move follows complaints about speeding, people revving engines loudly, racing cars, performing stunts, playing loud music, and using threatening or rude behaviour in the car park.
There have been 65 complaints in the last two years either directly to the Council or from the Police and local Community Safety Group.
Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The Milton Park and Ride should be a safe, quiet, and welcoming space for everyone. These proposed rules are about putting a stop to the reckless and disruptive behaviour that’s been affecting people. With number plate recognition cameras and CCTV, we’ll be able to take meaningful action against those who misuse the site. We've listened to repeated complaints - now it's time to act using new rules that give us the tools to tackle this behaviour head-on.”
Cllr Anna Bradnam, a district councillor for Milton, added: “Antisocial behaviour at the Park and Ride site has been causing loss of sleep and anxiety for the residents of Milton for years. We’ve all been reporting noise nuisance late at night diligently so I am delighted the Public Spaces Protection Order consultation is going ahead and hope the order will be applied soon.”
The consultation is asking the public for their views on three options:
- Bring in the new rules depending on what people say
- Bring in the new rules no matter what people say
- Do not bring in the new rules at all
Everyone is welcome to get involved but people who live nearby or use the site are especially encouraged to take part in the consultation and share their opinions.
Background on Public Spaces Protection Orders
PSPOs are legal tools used by local authorities in England and Wales to address anti-social behaviour in public areas. Introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, they allow councils to impose restrictions on specific activities within designated areas to ensure public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.
A PSPO can be issued by a local authority if certain criteria are met. Key conditions:
- Detrimental effect -activities carried out in a public place must have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those nearby.
- Persistent or continuing nature.
- Justification - restrictions imposed by the PSPO must be justified to prevent or reduce the detrimental effect.
To comment on the consultation visit our webpage. The consultation runs from July 1 to August 1. More information can be found in the consultation decision notice.
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