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.
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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.
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