NEW rules have been implemented to tackle boy racers causing a nuisance across Colchester – but what do they actually mean?

A Public Space Protection Order was introduced yesterday and is set to cover the whole of the borough for three years.

We have read through the small print so you don’t have to, and have put together this handy explainer.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Which activities will now be restricted?

 

- Engaging in, promoting, encouraging, or assisting in the carrying out of any activity connected to the use of a motor vehicle on a public highway, public car park or any other land to which the public has access in the Colchester Council area and which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

- Congregating or loitering as part of a group surrounding or within one or more stationary vehicles at any time where such activity causes noise, exhaust fumes, harassment, alarm, or distress.

- Causing or permitting excessive amplified music or vehicular noise, and/or excessive emissions of exhaust fumes where such activity causes harassment, alarm, or distress.

- Using a skateboard, pushbike, or a pedal cycle in combination with a trailer, constructed or adapted for carrying one or more passengers, scooter, skates or any other self-propelled wheeled vehicle in such a manner as to cause damage to property or that causes or is likely to cause intimidation, harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance to any person.

What action can now be taken?

The PSPO will enable police and council officers to enforce against a wide range of antisocial activities associated with car meets for the next three years.

This includes taking criminal action against culprits and issuing a £100 fine. Failure to pay this could result in a court prosecution and up to a £1,000 fine.

How did this come about?

The move follows complaints to both the council and the police from residents and visitors about anti-social behaviour associated with car cruising.

Incidents involving car racing, engine revving, stunts, amplified music and motorists loitering in groups were among the most complained about issues.

What did residents say?

A consultation was launched before the PSPO was implemented, with Colcestrians given the chance to have their say.

Comments included: “[This is] much needed and long overdue to deal with incessant racing, loutish behaviour, excessive noise and constant danger to other road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians”.

Another added: “The noise and disruption from cars revving and speeding around at all hours is a real nuisance that effects residents’ quality of life, not to mention the risk involved due to their speed.”

How can I report any incidents I am concerned about?

More information on reporting and enforcing against car cruising and other vehicular nuisance is available here.

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