New rules to tackle anti-social behaviour in city

New rules are set to be put in place to tackle people riding e-scooters, drinking, playing loud music and begging in Leicester city centre.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he had approved the implementation of a new public spaces protection order (PSPO) in the city after a rise in cases of anti-social behaviour.

The new rules will also clamp down on anyone who is either caught collecting for charity or who puts up a gazebo without prior permission from the city council.

The PSPO will come into force from 2 April and will allow police or an officer authorised by the council to issue £100 fines, which could rise to £1,000 if a prosecution results in a conviction.

The order, valid for three years, will cover Leicester city centre inside the ring road and also include Leicester railway station, all of New Walk and the area between London Road and Regent Road as far as Granville Road.

Soulsby said: "Like all big cities, Leicester has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour in recent years – and it's clearly affecting people's enjoyment of our streets and spaces.

"Whether it's problems associated with street drinking or begging, the unauthorised use of amplification equipment, or the irresponsible use of e-bikes and scooters, these behaviours are a nuisance – and they need to stop."

Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced by the government in 2015 and can be used by councils to target a range of issues in a defined public area.

The city council said an online consultation on the introduction of a PSPO had received 1,139 responses, with most in favour of the new order.

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