Plans to tackle anti-social behaviour at Milton Park and Ride have been given the go ahead following strong community support in a public consultation.
A total of 125 people took part, with the overwhelming majority (118) in favour of tougher measures to tackle dangerous and disruptive driving at the site.
Issues reported at the Park and Ride have included cars and motorbikes speeding, revving engines, racing, stunts, loud music, and threatening or rude behaviour.
The consultation invited local people to share their views on proposals to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at the site in Butt Lane. A PSPO would help curb anti-social behaviour by introducing new rules which – if broken – could lead to fines. Comments during the recent consultation included:
- Some evenings it sounds like the starting grid at Brands Hatch.
- We live nearby and hear cars and motorbikes incessantly, nearly every night. Doing burnouts, skidding, speeding - it is awful.
- The late-night disturbance is stressful and impacts the following day when sleep is disturbed or not possible with early work shifts.
- Antisocial use of this area has had a considerable impact on the local community’s wellbeing and sense of safety.
- The behaviour of drivers causes significant loss of sleep to family. It’s also dangerous. We frequently listen to acceleration anticipating the sound of a crash.
- Racing motorcyclists create traffic hazards and keep residents awake well past midnight. In summer children cannot sleep on school nights.
- We’re considering leaving the village.
Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“We’re really pleased with the level of public engagement. The message is clear - people want action. The Milton Park and Ride should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and this PSPO gives us the tools to tackle the reckless behaviour that’s been causing distress. We’re now moving ahead with implementation.”
Cllr Anna Bradnam, a South Cambridgeshire district councillor for Milton, said: “I am delighted that the Public Spaces Protection Order has been issued by the Council for the Park and Ride site. Residents have been disturbed by anti-social driving late at night and weekend after weekend. We are grateful for the actions the Police have taken in the past - but this Order makes it easier to stop disturbances quickly. It gives the ability to issue a fixed penalty on the first offence, which will nip bad behaviour in the bud and act as a short sharp shock for antisocial drivers.”
Cambridgeshire County Council instructed their contractors to start the enabling works at the Milton Road site, and the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are in place. The ANPR cameras and existing CCTV will be used to enforce the new rules, allowing the Council to track vehicles and issue fines without needing staff on site.
The Council has also taken proactive steps to make it easier to implement PSPOs at other Park and Rides by delegating authority to council officers in conjunction with the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment. Streamlining the process was agreed in a meeting of Cabinet. This proactive decision was made following comments from residents during the consultation.
The Council received 65 complaints over the past two years from residents, the Police, and the local Community Safety Group, prompting the need for formal action.
Background on Public Spaces Protection Orders.PSPOs are legal tools used by local authorities in England and Wales to address anti-social behaviour in public areas. Introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, they allow councils to impose restrictions on specific activities within designated areas to ensure public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.
A PSPO can be issued by a local authority if certain criteria are met:
- Activities must have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those nearby.
- The behaviour must be persistent or continuing.
- Restrictions must be justified to prevent or reduce the detrimental effect.
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