Gloucester city officials are taking decisive steps to address anti-social behaviour in three central car parks: Longsmith Street, King’s Walk, and Eastgate. They plan to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring these facilities serve their intended purpose—parking.
The proposed PSPO would empower authorised council officers and police to direct individuals to leave the car parks if they are found loitering, congregating, or using the space for activities unrelated to parking. This order covers the entirety of each site, including stairwells, lifts, corridors, and other associated areas, applying a consistent enforcement approach across all three locations.
Violating the PSPO is a criminal offence with penalties ranging from fixed fines of up to £80 to prosecution fines of up to £1,000, coupled with potential court appearances. This enforcement underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible parking environments.
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Public consultation on these proposals revealed strong community backing. Ninety-six percent of respondents supported the PSPO for King’s Walk and Eastgate car parks, while 89 percent endorsed the measure for Longsmith Street car park.
Rebecca Trimnell, Gloucester’s Community Engagement Cabinet Member for Westgate, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “The strong support for these proposals shows that people want our city centre car parks to be safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. This PSPO will help us tackle anti-social behaviour, boost public confidence, and ensure that these facilities continue to support residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The council and its partners adopt an “engage, support, and enforce” strategy regarding PSPOs. Individuals breaching the order are initially given advice and an opportunity to alter their behaviour before enforcement actions are taken.
This preventative measure complements existing support services and enforcement powers, prioritising positive public space use while discouraging disruptive behaviour.
Members of the public and local businesses are encouraged to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour via [email protected]. Gloucester City Council’s cabinet is set to review and potentially approve the PSPO proposals in their meeting scheduled for July 15.