The fight against anti-social behaviour across North Lincolnshire looks set to be boosted further as the council strengthens its powers to fine people.
People cycling in Brigg and Scunthorpe town centres, people drinking in the street or loitering and begging could be immediately issued with penalties under the new provisions.
The refreshed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) also means anyone in open water – either diving, jumping, paddling or swimming – could be hit with a £100 fine.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Residents are fed up and we are fed up with that small minority of people who think the rules do not apply to them.
“We have taken a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, and we have spent a great deal of time – and taxpayers’ money – to crack down on these people already. Despite this, they just will not listen nor learn.
“We’ve had to go back to the order and strengthen it further and could be able to fine people if they are on a bike in the High Street, if they are drinking anywhere in the street, if they are loitering or begging or if they are swimming in places like Ashby Ville.”
Since the introduction of the PSPO in 2021, thousands of fines have already been issued for public order offences and littering.
Under the PSPO, anyone failing to comply with the order – which covers subjects including loitering, dog fouling and noise – is committing a criminal offence and can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
A public consultation into the new measures closes on Monday, 27 March to take local opinion on board as the council seeks to ramp up action on begging, cycling, drinking alcohol in public places, and going into open water.
Cllr Waltham added: “This PSPO has enabled us to protect vulnerable communities by targeting anyone creating a nuisance or putting themselves and others in danger – the new measures will enhance those protections and I make absolutely no apologies for doing so.
“We are committed to keeping North Lincolnshire peaceful and safe and the strengthening of the PSPO is a significant part of this.”
The proposals were discussed at the council’s last cabinet meeting. All comments will be analysed and considered before a final decision is made on the proposed changes.
To take part in the consultation go to the consultation and the surveys page on the council website.
