An individual has been successfully prosecuted and fined £1,028 for breaching Colchester’s vehicle Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in May this year, having failed to pay the initial Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100.
Colchester City Council’s Community Safety Team brought the prosecution in line with the vehicular nuisance PSPO that was introduced across the city, which enables police and council officers to enforce against a wide range of antisocial activities associated with car meets and other vehicular nuisance. Several PSPOs exist across Colchester, making various antisocial activities an offence. The vehicle PSPO bans unauthorised meet-ups where revving of engines and loud music can cause nuisance to others.
On 28 November, the individual failed to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court and was subsequently found guilty in their absence. The court imposed a £220 fine, an £88 victim surcharge, and awarded £720 in costs.
A portion of these costs, covering four hours of a council officer's time, will be allocated to the Community Safety Teams budget. This funding will be used for future projects aimed at keeping Colchester a safe and welcoming place.
In collaboration with Essex Police, the council issued 86 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in response to a car meet-up at Smeaton Close car park in May. Additionally, over 100 FPNs have been issued this year. While most were paid promptly, those that weren't resulted in prosecution. A similar number of FPNs were issued in 2023 due to complaints at St Mary's car park.
No repeat incidents have occurred at either location since these actions. The council remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage and Public Protection, said: “This successful prosecution sends a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Colchester. The vehicular nuisance PSPO was introduced to address the disruptive, sometimes dangerous, activities associated with car meets, and we are committed to ensuring our city remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
“I want to thank our Community Safety Team for their dedicated work in enforcing the PSPO and taking firm action against those who flout the rules.”
Page last reviewed: 19 December 2024