Tackling anti-social behaviour with new orders

A new order has come into force this week to tackle street racing, motor stunts and other dangerous and obstructive driving across Dudley borough.

The borough-wide Public Space Protection Order, which focuses on anti-social vehicle use, also prohibits a number of other activities, including promoting, organising or publicising racing events as well as taking part, either as a driver or passenger.

Two further PSPOs have also come into force, one covering an area around Dudley town centre and Castlegate and the other Stourbridge town centre and Wollaston.

These give the police and the council extra powers to stop groups and individuals causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress to others within the designated areas.

The introduction of the three orders follows a consultation last autumn where people had the opportunity to view the proposals and share their views.

More than 90 per cent of people who responded were in favour of each of the orders.

Anyone found to be in breach of an order faces a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “There was an overwhelmingly positive response to our consultation, with people backing the introduction of these three PSPOs.

“We want everyone who lives, works and visits Dudley borough to feel safe and supported as they go about their daily lives.

“Our message is clear; antisocial behaviour has no place in our community and these new PSPOs demonstrate our commitment to tackling those who cause a nuisance and distress to others.”

Chief Superintendent Gill Davenport, Dudley Police, said: "Officers will be able to use the powers within the PSPOs to drive down anti-social behaviour and criminal acts.

"The orders give us extra powers to tackle these issues and failure to comply with the order can result in a fine or a fixed penalty notice.

"We know the issues covered in the orders are of concern to local communities and these additional powers complement other legislation we use as well as our partnership working to ensure Dudley remains a safe place to live, work and visit."

To find out more about the PSPOs visit dudley.gov.uk/pspo.