Continued clampdown on vehicles on green spaces

Dudley Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a number of its parks and green spaces back in August 2018. Support for the order was overwhelmingly positive, and the council is asking people if they are happy for it to continue.

Currently motor vehicles, motorbikes and quadbikes are banned from Fens Pool Nature Reserve, Mullet Park, Barrow Hill Nature Reserve, Russells Hall public open space, Buckpool Nature Reserve, Woodside Park, Marsh Park, Milking Bank public open space, Pensnett Technical College public open space, Lapwood Avenue / Ketley fields public open space and Pheasant Street public open space.

The PSPO which is supported by the police gives police officers and authorised council officers the power to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 for those caught using an unauthorised motorised vehicle on any of the green spaces affected. Failure to pay the notice may lead to prosecution, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000. This in addition to existing powers currently held by the police that could result in confiscation of the vehicle.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm said:

The existing PSPO has proved popular with residents and we have seen a reduction in use of illegal vehicles on these sites since it was introduced.

I hope that local people will continue to support the actions we are taking to improve the safety and ability to enjoy our green spaces.

PSPOs are intended to address activities carried out in public spaces, which have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality. The revised PSPO would last for a maximum period of three years and could then be renewed for a further three year period.
The consultation runs until 12 August.

To take part visit the council website. 

To report incidents of motorised vehicles in public spaces call the police on 101 or contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 or via twitter @DCPlus