Loud music and engines could see drivers hit with ‘antisocial’ fines
Inconsiderate motorists who play loud music from their cars could soon be slapped with a £100 fine.
In a bid to tackle anti-social driving in and around Bradford, the city will start hitting offenders with Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).
These will cover a range of antisocial behaviours – including revving engines, shouting obscenities and harassing people from moving cars.
The council hopes the new fines will help curb the issue of so-called “problem driving”, seen by many locals as one of the West Yorkshire city’s biggest issues.
As part of a public consultation last year, a survey of 1,260 residents found seven in 10 (70%) felt “unsafe” on Bradford’s roads due to car-related noise and behaviour.
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
• Roadside cover from £5.29 a month
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (basic) ^T&Cs apply.
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the move by authorities to use PSPOs in this way.
He said: “[This is] a move which I believe will help to tackle a number of anti-social behaviour and road safety related issues.
“Road safety is clearly a significant area of interest in Bradford and for many communities across the county and remains a key focus in my Police and Crime Plan.
“The PSPO will complement the significant work already undertaken by West Yorkshire Police, the Council and other partners in the District such as Operation Steerside which targets wider road safety offences and behaviour.”
Over three quarters of residents (76%) supported the Council’s initiative, which was approved by Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee at the end of last week.
However, despite widespread support one opposing councillor called the measures “draconian” and questioned how behaviour would be deemed antisocial.
Councillor Simon Cooke said: “When it comes to music being played too loud is there not a risk that personal music preference may decide if music being played is 'good or bad.”
Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
You might also like
10 driving offences you didn’t know were illegal
Here are 10 ways you can break the law, perhaps without being aware you’re doing so. Watch out for them and make sure you don’t commit them.
11 bad driving habits you should ditch right now
Here at the RAC, we've taken a look at a few widely accepted driving habits to give some clear cut advice on whether they're right or wrong.
Ergonomic driving guide: Are you sitting comfortably?
How you sit in it while driving can have a significant impact on your body. So, what causes these sorts of problems and how can you avoid them? Learn more here.
How to remove scratches from your paintwork
Can you fix it yourself or is it best left to a garage or mechanic to fix your vehicle? Here’s our ultimate guide on what to do if your car’s been scratched.
Why is my car making that noise? A guide to unusual vehicle sounds
To help you better understand the moans and groans of your vehicle, here’s our guide to what some of those noises mean and when you need to get help.
11 of the most annoying UK driving habits
Middle lane hogging? Driving below the speed limit? What do you think the most annoying driving habits are? Here's our choices, let's see if you agree
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10