Rules on begging, cycling, feeding gulls and alcohol in public spaces in Weymouth and Portland have been reviewed, after listening to your views.
The new measures, set out in the Weymouth & Portland Anti-Social Behaviour Related Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) 2018, were approved by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council last night. (31/5)
Cycling along the seafront
Rules on cycling along the seafront during quiet times in the summer have been relaxed. Under the previous orders, cycling was banned at all times on the seafront all year round. This means that people will be able to enjoy cycling along the whole of the Esplanade until 10am and after 5.30pm from Good Friday to 31 October. Right of way will remain with pedestrians.
Alcohol Restriction Areas
The rules on consuming alcohol in public remain largely the same. There continues to be alcohol restriction areas and authorised officers will be able to direct the public not to drink if there is a reasonable belief that their actions are causing anti-social behaviour. Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued if there is no reasonable excuse not to comply with this requirement.
Feeding gulls
A new ban on feeding gulls means that people who continue to ignore the rules could now face a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Begging
New rules around begging have also been introduced within the PSPO. Begging issues have been identified by the borough council, Police, shop owners and residents over the last few years and a decision was made to include this in the consultation. Findings from the consultation demonstrate that measures were needed to deter this activity from Weymouth Town Centre.
Councillor Jeff Cant, Leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The Council has been very aware of concerns from the community that the behaviour of a small number of people is having a disproportionate impact on the town and on both residents and visitors. We have already moved to enforce penalties in litter and dog fouling with considerable success. The new PSPO is part of a concerted set of initiatives to move this agenda on and specifically restricts begging. Whilst we will continue to be sensitive to people genuinely in need of our support, we will use Fixed Penalty Notices if there is no other alternative. We will continue to work with our existing partners to support those who genuinely need it. Training will be provided to officers to be clear about the circumstances which may lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice.
“We are particular looking to address ‘aggressive begging’ where individuals persistently harass people for money. This presents the town in a poor light to our essential visitors and can be intimidating. Outreach workers will engage to ensure that genuine cases with particular issues have the support they need away from the streets and that those for whom begging is a lifestyle choice are deterred from the impact they are having on our community and our economy in the first instance to try and get them off the streets but sometimes it is a lifestyle choice.”
Hundreds share views
The new order was drawn-up following a public consultation, which saw hundreds of people taking the trouble to share their views.
Cllr Jeff Cant added: “These measures aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and reduce the problem of aggressive gulls. I am glad that cycling in the summer during quieter periods will now be welcomed, as we are keen to do what we can to promote fitness and physical activity.
“I’d like to thank people who made the effort to have their say, we looked carefully at their responses and have done our best to take a common sense approach.”
The provisions contained within the PSPO will complement Police and other council measures as well as the multi-agency funded Community Safety Accreditation Scheme which is soon to be launched.
New signage will be going up to tell people about the new rules.
More information and maps explaining where the rules apply will be available on Dorsetforyou.com shortly.
