* 3RD OCTOBER 2024 * UPDATE *

Paul Morgan CBE said: “ The BMF has forwarded a comprehensive response to the consultation recognising the need to tackle anti-social behaviour but recommending that Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council carefully considers the potential wider effect of the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order.

The Council needs to ensure they avoid unintended and unexpected impacts on other legitimate and law-abiding road users, including motorcyclists engaged in legitimate motorcycle club gatherings and charity ride-outs, as well as general leisure pursuits and commuting.”

You can read the full BMF response to the consultation here

Original article below….

Newcastle-Under-Lyme Council Considering Imposing ‘Public Spaces Protection Order’ (PSPO) As Part of a “Car Cruising Crackdown” with Potential Adverse Implications for Motorcyclists

Residents and other stakeholders are being asked for their views as part of a public consultation on plans to prohibit car cruising in public places across Newcastle-under-Lyme following an increase in “car cruising” incidents and a rise in complaints from residents regarding anti-social and nuisance behaviour.

The proposed ban, which is the first of its type in the borough, would prohibit any meeting of two or more motor vehicles, including motorbikes, on local roads or public spaces at all times where any such vehicle or occupant engages in any behaviour considered to be “car cruising.” The ban would cover specific activities, to be set out in the proposed PSPO, which the Council has listed as:

• Causing a danger to other road users, including pedestrians, or a significant risk of damage to property by either speeding or racing
• Driving in convoy
• Performing stunts
• Repeatedly sounding horns
• Playing music excessively loud
• Using foul or abusive language
• Using threatening, intimidating behaviour towards another person
• Obstructing a public highway or public place
• Promoting, organising or publicising car cruising

The fear though is that motorcycle group rides, including charity rides and even bike meets, could be drawn into the ban as a result of the Council’s proposals. Groups would be able to apply for official approval, but failure to comply would make anyone liable for a fine or a fixed penalty notice of £100.

Councillor Gill Heesom, Cabinet Member for Community, Safety and Wellbeing, confirmed that the proposed measures aren’t specifically aimed at bikes, but rather at ‘car cruising” stating: “Residents, visitors and businesses have repeatedly told us – and Stafford Police – that car cruising in public places is causing them significant disruption and misery with booming music, loud exhausts, dangerous driving and wheel spinning, often late into the night.”

In addition, in response to a question from MCN, Staffordshire Police sought to calm fears that the PSBO would interfere with motorcycle gatherings, and confirmed that only specific vehicles would be targeted, “not those that are using vehicles for charity or legitimate purposes…Like with any legislation, officers can use their discretion around enforcement.”

While noting the room for discretion, Jim Freeman, chair of the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) thought that riders needed to be aware of the nature of the Council’s proposed vehicle ban, and how that could affect legitimate motorcycling. “We’ve seen similar moves in the past, but the difference is in interpretation. I think 2 or 3 riders riding normally have nothing to be concerned about. If 50 riders plan to meet in a carpark and insist on doing donuts, riding dangerously and generally making a nuisance of themselves, then they can rightly expect to have their collars felt by Staffordshire Constabulary.”

The BMF has urged motorcyclists to make their feelings felt on the proposed PSPO and to highlight directly to Newcastle-under-Lyme Council any concerns regarding the potential consequences for bikers as a result of the planned PSPO. The Consultation closes on Wednesday 2 October. You can submit your response via this link – click here

In the meantime the BMF will forward concerns on behalf of BMF Members regarding the potential unintended consequences of the “car cruising” ban direct to both the Council and Staffordshire Police and seek further reassurance that bikers using their bikes in a responsible fashion, whether in groups, riding with friends, or possibly commuting with colleagues will not be targeted by the Police under these proposals.”

Written by Paul Morgan CBE, BMF government Relations Executive

Top image courtesy of Oliver Thachwray