Consultation reveals strong public support for new city centre protection measures

Residents, businesses and stakeholders were invited to share their views on proposals designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety in key parking facilities across the city.

The proposed Order, made under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, would apply to Longsmith Street Car Park, Kings Walk Car Park and Eastgate Street Car Park.

The consultation demonstrated strong backing for the measures, with 96% of respondents supporting the proposed PSPO for Kings Walk and Eastgate Street Car Park, and 89% supporting the proposal for Longsmith Street Car Park.

Located in the heart of Gloucester, the three car parks are used by thousands of people every week to access shops, services and leisure facilities.

As the owner and operator of the facilities, Gloucester City Council is committed to ensuring they remain safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone - helping to increase public confidence and supporting continued footfall in the city centre.

The proposed PSPO reinforces the primary purpose of the car parks as spaces for parking vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and mopeds.

Under the Order, authorised council officers and police will have the power to direct individuals to leave a car park where they reasonably believe a person is occupying, loitering, congregating with others, or using the area for a purpose unrelated to parking.

The restrictions would apply across the entirety of each site, including stairwells, lifts, corridors and other associated areas, ensuring a consistent approach throughout all three facilities.

While the Order provides authorised personnel with these powers, the council works with police and partner agencies on an Engage, Support and Enforce approach to PSPOs. Anyone witnessed breaching a PSPO is given advice and offered a chance to change their behaviour in the first instance. If they ignore this advice, then enforcement action may be taken.

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution. In Gloucester, Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £80 can be served to people who breach a PSPO. If a prosecution takes place, the fine can be up to £1,000 and also involves attendance at court.

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Gloucester City Council, said: “The strong support for these proposals shows that people want our city centre car parks to be safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. This PSPO will help us tackle anti-social behaviour, improve public confidence and ensure these facilities continue to support residents, businesses and visitors coming into Gloucester”.

The proposed PSPO represents a preventative approach to addressing anti-social behaviour, supporting the positive use of public spaces while complementing existing enforcement powers and support services already in place.

Multi-agency information, local intelligence and ASB reports will be used to direct the engagement, education and enforcement of the PSPO. Members of the public and local businesses are encouraged to support the PSPO by reporting any issues they see to ASB@Gloucester.gov.uk.

Cabinet will consider the recommendation on 15 July.