(Report of Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive)
The Borough Council’s Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was due for renewal in April 2023. Details of the current restrictions and proposed additional restrictions to be considered were set out in Annex 2 to the report.
In summary, the proposed new restrictions related to vehicles on public open spaces, nuisance associated with car/motorcycle meetings, anti-social behaviour associated with fishing at Town Lock/Tonbridge moorings and no unauthorised swimming, bathing, boating at Holborough Lakes. The cost of a Fixed Penalty Notice for not adhering to a PSPO was currently £80 and it was proposed to increase this to £100 with no reduction for early payment in line with other local authorities. Members supported the implementation of restrictions across the whole of the Borough in respect of vehicles on public open spaces and nuisance associated with car/motorcycle meetings.
After careful consideration of the proposals, the legal, financial and value for money implications and to support a reduction in crime and disorder it was
RESOLVED: That
(1) the proposed Public Space Protection Order (as set out at Annex 2) be agreed; subject to the;
(i) restrictions in respect of vehicles on public open spaces and nuisance associated with car/motorcycle meetings being applied across the whole of the Borough;
(ii) inclusion of the restriction in respect of anti-social behaviour associated with fishing at Town Lock/Tonbridge Moorings; and
(iii) inclusion of the restriction in respect of no unauthorised swimming, bathing, boating at Holborough Lakes.
(2) the Fixed Penalty Notice charge be amended to £100, with no reduction for early payment; and
(3) a public consultation be undertaken and reported back to an appropriate meeting.