A clampdown on anti-social behaviour in Reading has begun with a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that went live on Tuesday, March 24. It was introduced jointly by Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police to tackle problems residents raised.
The order targets dog control and dog fouling, aggressive street begging, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and the anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
The PSPO is preventative: officers can ask people to stop behaviour before it becomes a breach. If someone continues after being asked to stop, they can be handed a fixed penalty notice of £100 as an alternative to prosecution, which carries a maximum fine of £1,000.
Thames Valley Police will lead on enforcement for on-street begging, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of e-scooters and e-bikes. Council officers will enforce dog fouling and dog control breaches.
The order comes into force after a three-week period of education and engagement. Officers say they will take a measured, proportionate approach and will signpost vulnerable people, such as those rough sleeping or with addiction issues, to support services.
While the council backs legal e-bikes as part of sustainable travel, the PSPO aims to protect residents from the small number who ride electric vehicles in an anti-social or dangerous way.
Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey), lead councillor for community safety, said: “We know from the consultation which took place last summer that residents are understandably demanding action on things like street drinking, dog fouling and the dangerous use of electric bikes and scooters. The introduction of the PSPO hands additional powers to both the council and our police colleagues.
“It is a really positive step for residents which hopefully provides some reassurance that we have heard their concerns and are providing officers the tools needed to act on them. In simple terms, this is about making Reading a more enjoyable place for everyone.”
Cllr Rowland, who is the chair of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), welcomed that more than 1,300 fines have been handed out for littering and flytipping for those who unnecessarily and selfishly impact the enjoyment of our open spaces for others”
She continued: “I want to reassure the responsible users of legal e-bikes that we fully support their use of sustainable, active travel around the town for the sake of the environment, and it is only those who use electric powered cycles or scooters in a manner that causes distress or alarm to others who will feel the effect of this PSPO.”
Inspector James Tribe from Thames Valley Police added: “The introduction of this PSPO will be a valuable addition to our efforts to keep the borough safe. It enhances and complements the powers already available to my officers, enabling a more agile response to persistent anti social behaviour that impacts our communities.
“By working alongside existing legislation, the PSPO strengthens our ability to intervene early and ensure that our public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”
PSPOs give local authorities and the police powers to address anti-social behaviour in public spaces. They are council-led, focus on specific problem behaviours in particular locations rather than on individuals, apply to everyone in a locality and make breach without a reasonable excuse an offence.
The Community Safety Partnership brings together the council, police, the Probation Service, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS and other partners to tackle crime and disorder and make Reading safer for residents, workers and visitors.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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