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We are proposing to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour and nuisance within the council’s town centre multi-storey car parks (Exchange Road Car Park, Kingsgate Car Park and Orchard Street Car Park).

It will prohibit any activity in the car parks that is not connected to the parking of a vehicle or bicycle. Any person who breaches the order will be asked to leave immediately and not return for 48 hours.

by Thursday 30 November 2023.

Over the last 12 months there has been a considerable increase in anti-social behaviour within Orchard Street multi-storey car park, Exchange Road multi-storey car park and Kingsgate multi-storey car park. Residents and businesses have raised concerns regarding safety and anti-social behaviour within car parks and have requested that the council takes action to address this. The police and the council currently have limited powers to tackle this, and despite continued efforts by partner agencies the nuisance continues.

The proposed PSPO will prohibit any activity in the car park that is not connected to the parking of a vehicle or bicycle or the lawful access to a vehicle or bicycle. Any person believed to have breached the Order will be asked by an Authorised Officer to leave immediately and not return to the car park for 48 hours.

Any person who fails to comply without reasonable excuse could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100. Failure to pay may lead to prosecution and upon conviction a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1,000).

A PSPO will not stop the lawful use of the car park and people who wish to park there will be able to continue to do so under the current terms of use.

The PSPO will apply to Orchard Street multi-storey car park, Exchange car park and Kingsgate car park. The proposed PSPO would be put in place for a maximum period of three years, after which a full review would take place.