Council renews restrictions and fines on alcohol and dog-related anti-social behaviour in North Tyneside
North Tyneside’s restrictions and fines on alcohol and dog-related anti-social behaviour have been renewed following the backing of the public.
The local authority’s cabinet has renewed its Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for public drinking and dog restrictions for another three years.
The orders mean that activities such as street drinking outside licensed areas are prohibited across North Tyneside, alongside a raft of dog restrictions, including a ban on dogs in play parks.
The findings of a public consultation on the existing restrictions found that out of over 600 respondents:
- 89% supported supported the continuation of a PSPO controlling dog fouling and failing to pick up
- 80% supported the continuation of the PSPO, excluding dogs from play areas
- 54% supported the exclusion of dogs from beaches from 1 May to 30 September
- 85% supported the continuation of controls on the drinking of alcohol in public places, “where consumption has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the vicinity”.
According to the council’s website, it is a criminal offence, without reasonable excuse, to breach the terms of PSPO. A maximum fine of £100 can be issued for breaching a PSPO, but this can be reduced to £375 if paid within 14 days. Failure to pay opens the offender to prosecution.
Cabinet member responsible for neighbourhoods, Cllr Hannah Johnson said: “We know from our engagement with residents that they want the council to continue to address environmental crime and tackle anti-social behaviour, particularly where it affects the day-to-day life in their neighbourhoods.
“This work is central to the council’s new neighbourhood management approach, which brings services together to focus on the issues that matter the most to local communities.”
Legally, PSPOs must be reviewed every three years by the local authority.