Protection Order approved to tackle anti-social behaviour. | Sevenoaks District Council

Protection Order approved to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Published: Tuesday, 26th March 2024

Sevenoaks District Council has agreed to place a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on London Road, Halstead, part of the Orpington By-Pass, Badgers Mount, and the M25 Spur Road by Junction 4,

to address recent anti-social behaviour.

In partnership with Kent Police, the Metropolitan Police and Bromley Council, the organisations consulted with residents after a number of complaints about car meets, racing and general motor vehicle nuisance.

When a Public Space Protection Order is in place, it gives the Police and the Council the power to issue on-the-spot warnings, or a fixed penalty notice for anti-social behaviour.

It also prohibits behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, and distress. This means those causing trouble cannot return to the area within 24 hours.

Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, says: “We know this is an important issue to residents and the consultation showed that there is support for the PSPO. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to combat vehicle nuisance and to make residents feel safe.”

Kent Police District Commander for the Sevenoaks District, Elizabeth Jones, says: “The PSPO is an additional tool that will help us address the excessive level of noise and annoyance to residents. We also believe it will reduce the risk of harm or injury caused by motor vehicles to members of the public.”

Sergeant Mark Wells from the Metropolitan Police adds: “This is great news for the local community; the PSPO order will enable enforcement to stop nuisance vehicles and promote safe driving. I would like to thank members of the community who have supported us, and we look forward to working with Kent Police and Sevenoaks District Council.”

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the area was approved by Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet on 15 March. The order will be put in place from 1 May 2024 and can last for up to three years.