Crime Solicitors

Peterborough City Council has announced that a new city centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) could come into force at the start of April, to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

The city centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been backed through a public consultation and will mean that SaferPeterborough Prevention and Enforcement Service officers will have additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.

This would include issuing fixed penalty notices (FPN) to those breaching the order – offences which include littering, spitting, unauthorised cycling on Bridge Street, dangerous cycling and drinking in public.

All FPNs issued will be set at £80 with an early repayment option of £60.

Service Director for adults and communities at Peterborough City Council, Adrian Chapman, said:

“Anti-social behaviour is a real issue for many residents and this new order is designed to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the city centre.

“The order will give our Prevention and Enforcement Service officers more powers to deal with unacceptable behaviour.

“In the majority of cases, if you are caught breaching the order – such as unauthorised cycling on Bridge Street – you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.”

Begging will also become an offence under the PSPO – however officers, working with the council's Housing Needs team, will make efforts to offer support.

The council said that, if an individual were to continue to breach the PSPO for begging, then options such as legally requiring them to access support services would be considered, rather than fines and subsequent prosecution for non-payment.

When the order is implemented, no fines will be issued for the first six weeks – but officers will be out talking to the public about the new order and the penalties.

The council added that this initial period of informing the public is usual practice and in keeping with other local authorities because of the six-week statutory PSPO appeal period.

New signage will be erected in the city centre to inform the public about the new PSPO.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors are available 24/7, 365 days a year to advise at any stage of a criminal charge, including serious organised crime, violent crime, sexual offences, terrorism charges, human trafficking and modern slavery charges, robbery, drugs offences, business crime, motoring offences and anti-social behaviour offences such as alcohol-related offences, harassment, criminal damage, graffiti and begging.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.